Priorities to tackle crime agreed

An action plan which sets out how Thanet Community Safety Partnership
aims to tackle crime in the area has been backed by Thanet District
Council.

The plan was approved at Full council last night (Thursday 19 April)
and highlights tackling anti-social behaviour, domestic abuse, substance
misuse and violent crime as the top priorities for the district over the
next 12 months.

In addition to this, Council agreed to support Cabinet in the
continuation of discussions with local Police partners to review how the
Council and Police work together to deliver community policing in
Thanet.

As part of their action plan the partnership will:

● carry out two noise car operations, responding to late night
complaints about noise
● use the Crime Retail Car to patrol retail areas in Thanet,
responding to calls about shoplifting
● hold a public engagement day about domestic abuse, raising
awareness of the support available locally
● use temporary CCTV cameras to gather evidence where there are
complaints about anti-social behaviour and drug use
● hold four open forums across Thanet and two SOS trailer
consultations to listen to people’s concerns

At the meeting Cabinet Members were also presented with the latest
crime statistics, which revealed that over the past 12 months, all crime
reduced in Thanet by 3.2%. This meant there were 350 less crimes
compared to the year before. The biggest reduction had been in
burglaries from people’s homes, which dropped by 29.6% and theft from
vehicles, which reduced by 22.9%.

Cllr. Iris Johnson, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “An
overall reduction in crime over the past 12 months is welcome news for
Thanet. But our work does not stop here. Feeling safe from crime
continues to be a top priority for local people and that’s why having
a strong plan to target our resources is essential. Thanet Community
Safety Partnership, working with Kent Police and key local agencies,
ensure that we continually strive to create a safe environment for our
residents. I‘m looking forward to working with new members of the team
in the coming months and hope to see the reduction in crime continue.
Chief Superintendent Mark Nottage will shortly be meeting with Members
of the council as part of regular updates received from the Police.”