06/12/2006
Santa's sleigh is safe in the city
Santa's sleigh is safe in the city
. City centre crime figures at their lowest for five years
. Burglaries cut by more than half and car thefts down by a third
. New licensing laws, Pubwatch scheme and 'Total Policing' cut crime
Crime figures in Liverpool city centre have fallen dramatically to their lowest level for five years.
New licensing laws, more targeted 'total' policing and a strong partnership between Liverpool City Council, police, the business community and health agencies are credited with the improvement.
Councillor Dave Antrobus, Liverpool's executive member for community safety, said: "These figures are very encouraging. The city centre partnership has achieved a great deal recently introducing many new initiatives to combat crime and anti-social behaviour. I want to build on that foundation, working together to solve local problems to reinforce Liverpool's growing reputation as a vibrant, exciting and safe city."
Figures for November show all crime is down by 28% meaning 384 fewer crimes - the best since January 2001. Burglary from homes are down by 54% and burglaries from businesses are down by 42% with criminal damage down 35%.
Merseyside Police Chief Inspector Jon Roy said: "These crime figures demonstrate the focus and determination of the city centre policing team and our partners to cut crime over the past year.
"They show our commitment to waging war on crime is producing a city centre environment that is the safest it has been for years. Arrests and prosecutions are up, crime is down and this is just the start. During the coming months we intend to crack down even more on crime."
The low figures are the result of a wide range of special initiatives to drive down crime including:
. The launch of the 'Pub Watch' and 'Best Bar None' schemes
. Increasing use of Citywatch CCTV cameras to prevent and detect crime
. Specialist teams tackling drug and car crime
. Exclusion and banning orders for offenders caught in shops and bars
. Neighbourhood teams listening to the concerns of local communities
. Blitzing anti-social behaviour - leading to ASBOs against youth gangs, beggars and prolific thieves
. Enhanced partnership working
. City centre drive on beggars, vagrants and drug users
Reported violent incidents in the city centre have reduced by around 16% - a major contributory factor is the relaxation in permitted drinking hours which means revellers leave in a more gradual fashion rather than spilling out onto the streets at 11pm or 2am and literally fighting for taxis or fast food.
Licensing Committee chairman Councillor Malcolm Kelly said: "We feel the overall effect of the relaxation of the licensing laws has been a great success. The council's Licensing Unit has processed virtually all premises licences and issued all personal licences.
"The new act gives police greater powers to deal with people or premises that act against the public good. And people who live in the vicinity of pubs or clubs can now have their say about licensing applications, or ask for a review of a premises licence if they experience nuisance, crime or disorder."
Citysafe, Liverpool's Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, would like to take the opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and happy New Year.
But to ensure that this period is enjoyable Citysafe would remind everyone to take care, drink sensibly and to look after their personal property - do not give criminals a chance to spoil your Christmas or New Year.
The chances of becoming a victim of crime are low but even lower if you remain alert when out and about. Look after your presents - Don't Lose it before you can Use It.
Some simple advice:
. If you are planning to go out over the Festive Season, remember it gets dark early so leave a light on and draw the curtains to make it look like you are at home.
. Look after each other when out drinking in the city, there is safety in numbers, so make sure that you don't leave friends to go home alone. Drinking sensibly and taking a taxi home is better than walking home alone in a drunken state.
. Look after your new phones or I Pods - don't advertise them when out and about.
. If you visit the New Year Sales don't leave valuables on show in the car.
For further information, please contact Peter Elliott on (0151) 225-3261 / 07715-000504 or peter.elliott@liverpool.gov.uk
For the latest news from Liverpool, European Capital of Culture 2008, visit www.liverpool.gov.uk or www.liverpool08.com
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