This week Old Trafford has seen several local partners join forces to help prevent and tackle crime and antisocial behaviour in the area with it’s first ever Beatsweep.
Beatsweeps, an initiative created by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to initially reduce rubbish and car fires, has been successfully rolled out throughout Greater Manchester.
Local Partners have worked together to address the underlying causes and issues surrounding the area and identified what is needed to improve conditions and reduce the impact on its communities.
Chief Inspector Neil Bhole of Trafford Police comments:
“By working alongside many other agencies and voluntary groups as part of the Beatsweep, we are determined to improve the quality of life for all communities in Old Trafford and make it a safer place to live.”
The 2 week long event is split into two parts – Enforcement and Reassurance.
The Enforcement week which commenced on 26 February has included:
• Greater Manchester Police alongside the DVLA provided ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) which has been scanning the area for stolen/unregistered vehicles.
This week:
• 40 vehicles were seized and removed
• 18 reported with no insurance
• 12 reported no registered
• 11 reported with no tax
The Police have also been instrumental tackling gun and gang crime in the area.
This week:
• 2 fire arms, a silencer and quantity of ammunition were seized
• Numerous arrests were made
• Trafford Council’s Environmental Enforcement, Trading Standards, Benefits and Street Crime patrol teams were taking action against fly tipping, graffiti and other environmental crimes.
This week:
• 36 fly tips removed
• 12 fixed penalty notices were served for littering
• 10 searches
• 5 areas of graffiti removed
Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue has been circulating around homes, schools, commercial buildings and older persons’ homes to check against fire safety regulations. They have also given presentations on the dangers of driving whilst using mobile phones and/or not wearing a seatbelt.
This week:
• 404 Home Fire Risk Assessment leaflets have been posted
• 60 free 10 year smoke alarms have been fitted
• 55 Home Fire Risk Assessments have been completed
• 7 Business Fire Risk Assessments have been completed
• Trading Standards have also been carrying out test purchases at retailers selling age restricted items eg alcohol, tobacco and spray paint.
• Probation has been supervising offenders this week who have been leaflet dropping to spread awareness of the initiative.
Cathy Bennett, Community Safety Manager at Manchester & District Housing Association, says:
“To see the results and achievements of this single week alone is amazing. Beatsweeps prove that when local agencies pull together, crime figures can reduce, awareness can be spread, and more importantly community morale and reassurance can increase.”
She adds:
“Whilst the first week has been very encouraging, the second week will aim to sustain these results by educating individuals on how we can all help the community. In a fun and informal way we will deliver the message that crime and antisocial behaviour in Old Trafford will not be tolerated.”
The Reassurance week will begin on Monday 5 March at Shrewsbury Street Community Centre, Old Trafford. The event will be open to the public and people are encouraged to come along to receive invaluable information and have fun doing so!
• Throughout the Reassurance week Trafford Primary Care Trust will offer health advice and information regarding alcohol and will be bringing along the famous “drunk glasses” and remote control car for everyone to try out!!!
• Manchester & District Housing Association with Old Trafford Neighbourhood Manegement and TMBC Environmental Services will be providing 30 skips throughout the area. M&D HA will also have its experienced Community Safety Team available to offer advice on dealing with antisocial behaviour.
• Victim Support & Witness Service will also be on hand to provide information and support to members of the public. They will also offer volunteer opportunities and home security surveys.
• Greater Manchester Police will also have a mobile police unit in the car park where Police Officers will be able to answer any questions relating to local crime and disorder issues along with offering crime prevention advice.
There will also be displays from Trading Standards, Trafford Housing Trust, Environment Enforcement, Groundwork Trust, Victim Support, Trafford Primary Care Trust and Greater Manchester Probation. Street Crime Patrol will also be carrying out home security surveys.
Pete Riley Trafford Borough, Commander for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, adds:
“This has been the result of fantastic partnership work. Beatsweeps are a real opportunity to focus on the specific needs of our communities. By working together with our partners’ agencies and people in the community we can make Old Trafford a better and safer place to live and work.”