Three-Year Blueprint Aims to Tackle Crime

10.42.24pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 22nd May 2005

An ambitious three-year plan to reduce crime and the public's fear of crime across Milton Keynes has been given the seal of approval. Liberal Democrat Milton Keynes Council will be working alongside police, the fire service, health services, parish councils and voluntary groups as part of the Community Safety Strategy.

The strategy aims to reduce a range of crimes in Milton Keynes by 17.5 per cent per 1,000 population by 31 March 2008 - these include domestic burglary, common assault, robbery, wounding and criminal damage. The multi-agency action plan also aims to reduce the fear of being a victim of anti-social behaviour by 10 per cent.

As well as tackling the supply of illegal drugs into Milton Keynes, the strategy also highlights the work being done to increase the number of drug-using offenders entering treatment programmes. This summer will see the opening a new facility at Fletcher House by the Drug Action Team.

Research has shown that one of the biggest problems is the number of criminals who re-offend. The strategy outlines a number of measures aimed at prolific offenders and reducing the number of first offenders into the youth justice system.

Councillor Irene Henderson, Liberal Democrat cabinet member for community safety says: "Our vision is to make a real difference to the people of Milton Keynes by reducing crime and tackling the fear of crime. We recognise that the way residents perceive anti-social behaviour plays a major part in how safe or unsafe people feel in their neighbourhood. We are aiming to improve the quality of life for all residents"