feature: Cutting crime in Haringey
17 March 2008
This year we have some good news about the success of Haringey’s Safer Communities’ Partnership.
According to our residents’ survey, concern about crime in Haringey is down by eight per cent.
That’s below the London average, and down to the same level as in 1993.
Cllr Nilgun Canver, cabinet member for enforcement and community safety, said:
“This survey is good news and reflects all the hard work and dedication of the partnership.
“While there is no room for complacency it’s great to look at some of our achievements, particularly the inroads we are making in working with young people and the way they too have embraced the challenge to tackle crime.”
Compared to the previous year, from April to November 2007 there was a drop in many crime types: wounding down 10 per cent, theft of motor vehicle down 12 per cent and personal robbery down 20 per cent.
And crucially, this past year Haringey has seen a higher percentage of offenders brought to justice than anywhere else in London.
Young people are helping the council find solutions to anti social behaviour and crime. Those involved in the Say Yes Challenge - the first in London - came up with an idea to text a number when you see trouble on a bus. This has prompted Transport for London to ask for a meeting to see how this might be put into practice.
The council is also piloting an innovative service for youngsters on the Campsbourne Estate to enable them to contact the Anti-Social Behaviour Action Team confidentially using MSN chat rooms and text messaging.
Also new is the state of the art CCTV system, commissioned after residents said this was important to them. The borough wide installation programme of 13 cameras began in January with the first town centre cameras placed in Muswell Hill and Bounds Green. All cameras will be monitored at the new control room with links to police.
Performing well above the London average is the Environmental Crime team which has taken action to curb littering, fly posting and dumping with more than 1,000 fixed penalty notices issued.
The Domestic Violence team has also excelled, winning a prestigious award for innovation and good practice from the Mayor of London. Cllr Canver adds:
“The partnership is really making an impact on crime. Next year we want the figures to be even better.”
Police numbers in Haringey have gone up from just over 500 in 1999 to 701 in 2008.
Every ward in Haringey now has a safer neighbourhood team with a sergeant, two constables and three community support officers. The Safer Haringey partnership includes the council, local police, transport police, NHS, victim support and community groups.
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