Policing Minister and PCC visit Portsmouth Safer Streets area

Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, has taken Kit Malthouse MP, Minister for Crime and Policing, around the Charles Dickens Ward in Portsmouth to hear from local residents the difference the Safer Streets project will make to the community.

£423,851 has been awarded to Portsmouth under the latest allocations from the Safer Streets Fund. The funding will be used to improve street lighting, redesign of some secluded areas and improve lines of sight and deter drug use through vegetation management and the installation of buggy and wheelchair friendly gates to reduce the use of motorbikes on footpaths. Priority locations identified for interventions are Paradise Street, Craswell Street, April Square, Arundel Street and park, and Lake Road.

The funding was allocated to the Police and Crime Commissioner under round two of the Government initiative which focused on reducing acquisitive crime in areas worst affected by burglaries and robberies.

Third round of Government funding to focus on tackling violence against women and girls

The third round of the Safer Streets fund is currently open for bids and is focusing on funding measures that will improve the safety of public spaces for all, with a particular focus on areas of potential concern to women and girls.

“We will not stand by while criminals inflict fear and misery on our communities – that is why the Home Secretary launched the Safer Streets Fund, to improve security in areas blighted by crimes like burglary, robbery and vehicle theft.

“I would like to thank Hampshire Constabulary and PCC Donna Jones, as well as the local residents who I spoke with– today’s visit demonstrates just how vital it is that we also focus on preventing people from committing offences in the first place.

“The latest round of Safer Streets will encourage innovative proposals, beyond  environmental measures like improved street lighting, with a primary focus on women and girls who are disproportionately affected by crimes like harassment in public places.”

Donna Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “This funding will make a real difference to the community in Charles Dickens ward. Safer Streets is a brilliant initiative that targets funds to reduce harm, particularly drug related harm.  During our visit, it was clear the layout of the local area creates opportunities for drugs to be sold and consumed in public places. This needs to stop.  Local residents have reported criminal behaviours, and thanks to that information, we have listened and now it’s time for action. This funding will help tackle criminal behaviours by adding street lighting cameras, removing dark spaces and new security gates.

“I welcome the Government’s move to make the next round of Safer Streets about reducing violence against women and girls. No one should live in fear of violence or sexually abusive behaviours and so it is essential that we not only make our streets safer places for women and girls, but that at the same time we increase their feelings of safety in public.”