Matson Residents Tell Police How They Feel
Wednesday April 8, 2009
The Gloucester Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) are taking action after residents from Matson Avenue shared their concerns in December.
Representatives from a number of agencies including Gloucestershire Constabulary, Gloucester City Council, Gloucester City Homes and the Matson and Robinswood Neighbourhood Partnership knocked on the door of every home over a two-day period enabling residents to have their say.
Not everyone was at home but they all had a survey put through their door so that they could highlight their concerns in the area.
Smartwater was offered to every property so that residents could security mark their property, making it less appealing to would be thieves. If you received a Smartwater kit but haven’t yet marked your property, do so now.
A shed alarm was also offered to those who had garden sheds.
In the period from December 1 to March 31, burglaries in Matson Avenue have been reduced by 60% in comparison to the same period last year and three new neighbourhood watch schemes have been launched.
Following feedback from residents, the following action has been taken –
The police and the city council are looking to deploy CCTV cameras in Matson Avenue to monitor incidents of criminal damage and fly tipping. If found guilty, fly tippers can be fined up to £50,000 and/or be given a three-year prison sentence.
The police will shortly be working with local schools to target speeding drivers on Matson Avenue in the education of drivers in the dangers of excess speed.
A grant of £48,000 has been awarded from the Big Lottery fund for teenage facilities as many residents felt there were not enough safe play areas.
Police and Gloucestershire Trading Standards will be looking to carry out further test purchase operations in the area to alleviate the issue of underage drinking.
The Gloucester CDRP will be leading a “Don’t buy for under 18” campaign. Buying or attempting to buy alcohol for under 18s could lead to an on the spot fine of £80 or the offender could end up in court and face a fine of up to £5,000.
The police ran a proactive vehicle operation leading to a number of prosecutions.
Chief Inspector Emma Ackland, who oversees policing in Gloucester, said: “Although the number of crimes in Matson Avenue are relatively small, the reduction demonstrates that Smartwater is a deterrent for burglars.
However, it is important that residents continue to be diligent as lighter, warmer evenings are on their way, and ensure that doors are secured and ground floor and accessible windows locked at night or when the owner is out."
Pat Dabbs from the Gloucester CDRP said: "I am delighted at the success of the Matson "Have your say" days, which had representatives from all the local agencies and residents groups assisting with the survey.
“Responses from residents were very positive and actions are taking place to address the issues raised including the setting up of at least three new Neighbourhood Watch Schemes. “
If anyone has any further queries or wishes to report any incidents of crime they can contact their local Safer Community Police Team on 0845 090 1234 or to report crime anonymously telephone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.