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Wishing youa safer new yearMaking you feel safer is top priority for the combined forcefighting crime and tackling anti-social behaviour in your area.There was a 14% drop in crime in theborough in 2009/10, with significantreductions in criminal damage, burglary,vehicle crime and rowdy and inconsideratebehaviour.A survey also showed that 88% of peoplefelt safe outside their home after dark. ButBasingstoke and Deane Community SafetyForum, which brings together emergencyservices, councils and other public andvoluntary organisations to tackle crime andanti-social behaviour, is keen to see evenbetter results from its partnership worknext year.Based on crime and anti-socialbehaviour figures, as well as feedbackfrom the public and other information,the priorities are:• a no tolerance approach to violentcrime, including assaults, robberyand domestic abuse• tackling anti-social behaviour byworking with the community and• reducing the fear of crime thatcan blight lives despite the boroughbeing a relatively low crime area.More roadshows are planned after the forum joined forces to stop trouble for those drowning theirWorld Cup woesBuilding on the success of work to tackleproblems in communities in partnership, theforum has a plan of activities andcampaigns for the coming year.Two forum events are planned for thecoming weeks, following successfulpartnership work to highlight excessivealcohol dangers with World Cup watchers.On Thursday 25 November, there will be astall in Market Place, Basingstoke forWhite Ribbon Day, raising awareness ofthe support services available to helpwomen suffering violence. On Tuesday7 December the Community SafetyChristmas Campaign road show will bein Basingstoke town centre giving tips toshoppers on everything from keeping theirpresents safe to keeping an eye on theirdrinking over the festive season.Angels give a helping handThe holiday season will soon be upon usand with that comes Christmas partiesand nights out. If you are out inBasingstoke town centre on a Friday orSaturday in December you may notice afew ‘Christmas angels’ helping ensure thatyou have a safe night out. The PastorPatrol run by the Alliance of BasingstokeChurches will be out in force providing ahelping hand to festive revellers.People like to party at Christmas, but ifyou don’t plan things right, you run the riskof certain dangers. If you’re going out,arrange your return home before youleave. Pre-order a taxi or come home withsomeone you know. Don’t leave without afully charged mobile and if you travelalone, let at least one person know whereyou’re going to be and when you plan tobe home.And for those planning to celebrate athome, remember if you’re going tothrow a big party or make a lot of noiselet your neighbours knowbeforehand.The council and the police work togetherto keep anti-social behaviour as low aspossible. Call the police’s non emergencynumber 101 to report any issues.22 Basingstoke & Deane Today
Calling time onalcohol-fuelled crime!A campaign has been launched inBasingstoke town centre to crack down onalcohol-fuelled violent crime.The partnership initiative, called OperationDrinksafe, follows a successful campaign ofthe same name that was run in Portsmouthtwo years ago. By working closely with thecouncil, Festival Place, licensees and otherpartners, the campaign aims to reduceincidents of violent crime and disorder thathappen when people are on a night out inthe town centre and reduce excessive andirresponsible alcohol consumption.Basingstoke and Deane DistrictCommander, Chief Inspector AndyBottomley, said: "We've been verysuccessful in reducing crime in the boroughover the last year but have not seen achange in violence offences. Our analysisshows us that a third of violence offencesoccur outside licensed premises and that inalmost two thirds of all incidents, offendersare affected by either alcohol or drugs. Themajority of these offenders are men agedbetween 18 and 21."Operation Drinksafe aims to tackle thisthrough tough, intensive and ongoing policeoperations as well as education of regulardrinkers to change people’s attitudestowards excessive drinking habits in thetown. This is a significant campaign andwe'll be using a whole raft of differenttactics to make the night timeentertainment areas safe and welcoming forthose who want to enjoy themselvesresponsibly, while making the environmenthostile to drunks and trouble makers."Shoppingwith bells on!To help ensure that your ChristmasShopping is not more stressful than itneeds to be the Community SafetyPartnership would like to provide somesimple crime prevention advice:• Don't make your car or your presentsa target - never leave items on display.• Always try to use Park Mark Safe carparks.• If a cash machine looks like it hasbeen tampered with don't use itand report it to the bank.• Keep your handbag zipped andnever leave it unattended.Anti-pickpocket bells for yourhandbag are available by contactingthe Community Safety Team on01256 844 844 or emailingcommunity.safety@basingstoke.gov.ukDon’t let safety go up in smokeWhen decorating your house for Christmasthink safety first, that’s the message fromHampshire Fire and Rescue Service.Tree lights get used far less than regularlights so take extra care. Check the fusesare the right type for the lights, replaceblown bulbs, don’t overload sockets anddon’t go to sleep or go out with decorativelights still on.Candles are great fun and look lovely buttheir rise in popularity has increased the riskof fire in the home. Simple measures toavoid this are often overlooked. Don’t leavea room with a candle burning, avoid lightingoutdoor candles indoors. Give the candle asolid base so it can’t be knocked overeasily and of course don’t let your kids orpets play with them.The fire service would also like you to buyyour family an extra special gift this year – asmoke alarm. These life-saving devicesshould go in every room, except for thekitchen and the bathroom. The minimumshould be one smoke alarm on each floorlevel. For more information seewww.hantsfire.gov.ukFor more information about community safetysee www.basingstoke.gov.uk/go/comsafety.Not at home to burglarsGoing away to be with friends and relatives for Christmas? If so,then don’t invite the criminals around. Nearly half of all burglarieshappen when the homeowner’s not in, so do everything you canto discourage thieves when you’re not there.Don’t leave presents near a window or under the tree if you canavoid it; you don’t want a ‘shop’ display. Try to keep blinds andcurtains closed, consider buying light timers and keep your housesecure.Basingstoke & Deane Today 23
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