An East London borough has adopted a community-based approach in a bid to prevent and reduce crime.
In a move which could be replicated across the country, the London Borough of Redbridge said they are the first local authority to give residents a 'real say' in shaping services, policies and budgets aimed at tackling crime.
Following the biggest public consultation in its history, Redbridge Council last year identified issues that most concern residents and established an independent Community Crime Commission to advise on ways to tackle them.
After months of consultation and discussion, the commission, which comprised of residents, community leaders and experts, has published its findings.
The investigation uncovered a series of systemic factors that undermine efforts to create a safer community.
These include agencies not working effectively together, thresholds that mean young people do not get help early enough to protect them from criminality and low levels of confidence amongst residents that things can improve.
The report makes 48 recommendations on anti-social behaviour, burglary, domestic abuse, violence against women and girls and drugs and street violence.
As well as specific actions, the commission is calling for a new overall approach based on:
- A long-term vision, multi-agency commitment and sustained pressure for change.
- Consistent, high-quality communication between service providers and residents.
- Using existing resources more effectively, co-locating these and co-producing with local people to design the services they need.
- Supporting young people when and how they need it, not just waiting for them to meet ‘thresholds’, which often mean help is too late.
Along with partners, including the Metropolitan Police, the council has already responded to the report by pledging action.
In addition to restructuring and reprofiling resources to meet the recommendations, a budget of £1.2m has so far been committed for 2022, with additional investment expected as initiatives are developed.
Several of the commission’s recommendations focus on better neighbourhood policing, joined-up services and working more closely with local communities to buy back public confidence in local services.
In response to this, the authority is expanding its ‘enforcement hubs’, walk-in centres in the community where people can get help and advice direct from the police and enforcement officers.
Commenting, Chair of the Community Crime Commission, Dr Javed Khan said:
“Agencies must work more closely together, rapidly sharing information and must be much better connected to the communities they support. Otherwise, people fall through the cracks.
“The enforcement hubs are a good example of this approach, as they bring services together and they take those services to where people are within the community, making it easier for residents to access them.”
Other recommendations from the commission which the council and its partners are already working on include:
- The deployment of 25 new police officers as part of the Town Centre Safety Team.
- Support for young people before they fall into criminality, with activity in secondary schools to prevent gang membership and anti-social behaviour.
- The establishment of a new youth hub and mentoring schemes for young people.
- A change to police policy to ensure victims of burglary receive a police visit.
- Additional operational staff at the authority’s 24/7 CCTV centre.
- Seamless support for victims of domestic abuse with the provision of a new ‘single front door’ and a single phone number.
- Workshops for young people on safety.
Dr Khan added:
“Fresh, practical ideas for solving difficult problems come from the people who live with those problems every day. This process of genuine community involvement in tackling crime has been ground-breaking.
“We are pleased that the council is already acting on our recommendations.”
Leader of Redbridge Council, Councillor Jas Athwal commented:
“We thank the commission for its work and look forward to delivering on its recommendations. The process represents a step change in how local people can engage with public services.
“Their experiences of what we do and their ideas on how we can better work together is helping create a safer borough. We are now focusing on the issues we know concern them, including women’s safety and access to the police and other services.”
Having made its recommendations, the commission will reassemble in 2023 to check on the council’s progress and to hold it to account if required.
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