The Community Crime Fighters’ event hosted by the Redcar & Cleveland Community Safety Partnership on Thursday 23^rd April at Kirkleatham Old Hall Museum was well received by both members of the Public and local Criminal Justice Agencies alike.

The event was attended by 15 residents from across Redcar, including existing Crime Fighters and members of various Community Forums, who all received Crime Fighters packs containing useful information and local Criminal Justice Agencies’ contact details. There were representatives from The Council’s Community Protection and Antisocial Behaviour Teams, a local Councillor, Coast & Country Housing Tenancy Enforcement, Cleveland Police & Police Authority, Teesside Probation Service, Holme House Prison and UNITE Mediation Service.

The event gave residents the opportunity to raise local issues and highlight examples of good working practice as well as areas for concern with each of the Agencies in an informal setting, and there were lively debates of possible solutions to a wide range of issues affecting our Communities. This feedback will be used to make further improvements to current crime and antisocial behaviour services in our Borough and develop new and innovative ways to involve local people in setting priorities and agree actions to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour.

Similar consultation events are planned for later this year, in addition to a wide range of activities being organised by local Crime Fighters themselves, ensuring that the views of our residents are taken into account and any actions taken are fed back to the Community. The Community Crime Fighters scheme aims to involve more residents in local crime and antisocial behaviour reduction initiatives. There are a series of 1-day events for anyone interested in becoming a Community Crime Fighter, as well as a free 2-day residential training course to assist the Crime Fighters in carrying out their role as a Champion for their community.

If you would like to know more about the Community Crime Fighters scheme or are interested in attending the training course or future events, please contact Sarah Graham, Neighbourhood Crime & Justice Coordinator on 01642 302764 or at Sarah_Graham@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk