Keeping crime and antisocial behaviour low in Crewe St Barnabas

Thankfully, anti-social behaviour across our area has remained at very low levels in recent times, following a huge amount of work to secure support from partner organisations and the police. Sadly though, in recent weeks we’ve seen a rise in anti-social behaviour and low-level criminal damage in parts of our community.

This has included damage to a newly installed bench and litter bin, which were donated as part of a community project I’ve been working on alongside Guinness Housing, with fantastic support from local volunteers and children from Underwood West Primary School.

There has also been damage to private property, including fencing, as well as other incidents such as damage to trees and other nuisance behaviour.

Now, some people may see these as minor issues or point out that it’s school holidays, but they absolutely do have an impact. It’s disheartening for volunteers who give up their time to improve the area, and it can make life miserable for residents whose property is being damaged. Often leaving them feeling on edge as to what might happen next.

I want to reassure residents that, whilst as a councillor I don’t have direct enforcement powers, I have raised these issues with the Police Inspector for Crewe, our local Beat Sergeant, and PC Beresford our local officer to ask for additional support and patrols in the area – as well with both the police and CCTV team to identify and deal with those responsible.

In addition, I had already secured visits from youth support workers from both Cheshire East Council and OnSide, the organisation behind Crewe’s new Dome Youth Zone, and asked for further engagement and support locally.

Alongside this, I continue to work hard to provide positive activities for young people in our area. This includes Wishing Well activity sessions on Leighton Brook Park during school holidays, as well as Crewe Alexandra’s Premier Kicks football sessions every Wednesday evening from 6pm.

These activities are designed to give young people positive opportunities, safe spaces to socialise, and a constructive outlet for their energy.

I’ve also successfully campaigned for and secured funding for new football goalposts at Leighton Brook Park, which should be installed soon.

I also want to make clear that local CCTV, particularly around Leighton Brook Park, will be used where possible to help identify those responsible for criminal damage and anti-social behaviour. Actions have consequences, and where offenders are identified, I will be pushing for appropriate action to be taken.

That said, there is absolutely no excuse for the behaviour we’ve recently seen, and it is not something I will tolerate.

How you can help

Please continue to report incidents by calling 101 or reporting online. Whilst reporting anti-social behaviour may not always lead to an immediate response, every report helps build a clearer picture of the issues affecting an area. If incidents are not reported, resources are often directed elsewhere.

Sadly, after decisions taken by the new Labour Police and Crime Commissioner, many PCSOs across Cheshire were made redundant, including our local PCSO Jen Jolley. With local policing teams now under even greater pressure, it’s more important than ever that we continue to make sure our area’s concerns are being logged and prioritised.

If you witness anti-social behaviour, please report it. You can call 101, report online, or if you would prefer not to give your details, use the anonymous Residents’ Voice survey.

REPORT AN INCIDENT ONLINE
COMPLETE RESIDENTS VOICE SURVEY

Of course, if someone is at risk, or property is being damaged – always call 999 at the time.

And finally, if you have children, please take a moment to check where they are and what they’re up to. Knowing where they are, who they’re with, and what their plans are not only helps keep our neighbourhood welcoming for everyone, but also helps keep them safe too.

Let’s continue working together to keep St Barnabas a safe, welcoming and positive community this summer.