Safer Streets

A SIX-MONTH crackdown on violent crime, code-named Safer Streets, gets underway today to tackle a surge in violent crime across Thames Valley.

In a statement today, Thames Valley Police say: “The Safer Streets drive is about making it safer to live in Thames Valley and enjoy the nightlife. Violent crime accounts for 21 per cent of total crime across the Force. The campaign will be aimed at 15 to 35 year-olds and focus on alcohol-related violent crime, robbery of young people and replica guns.

“Safer Streets will have a three-pronged attack. There will be an operation code-named ?Hangover?, which will tackle an 18 per cent increase in violence against the person.

“The focus will be on persistent offenders with high-visibility patrols in concentrated areas of violent activity. Officers will work closely with local authorities, related organisations and licensees to ensure appropriate crime reduction tips are getting through to potential victims and warnings through to potential offenders.

“The second strand of Safer Streets will tackle robberies of young people. This is a renewal of the campaign that targeted street robbers in 2002, and although personal robberies are continuing to drop across the Force (8 per cent decrease since April 2005), Thames Valley Police is determined to keep the pressure on persistent offenders. Information from crime reports and intelligence will be used to direct officer activity on a daily basis.”

Assistant Chief Constable Katherine Govier, said: ?We are committed to tackling the increase in alcohol-related violent crime and will be working closely with our partner organisations.

?Safer Streets will focus on making it safer and more enjoyable to go out in our towns and cities at night. We will put pressure on people who get drunk and violent and robbers who prey on young people, students and those who wish to enjoy a peaceful evening out?.

The statement goes on to say: “The third part of Safer Streets will tackle the rise in the number of young people with replica firearms, as well as raise awareness of new legislation which makes it illegal to carry imitation or air weapons in public, and the danger people put themselves in by carrying these weapons.

“Armed officers are attending an increasing number of incidents where replica guns are involved, and, because it is difficult to tell the difference between imitation and real firearms, there are concerns a young person will end up being shot by police.”

Full details of the Safer Streets campaign can be found at www.thamesvalley.police.uk/saferstreets