Fire & Rescue supports partnership in Luton

photo caption: Southern Area Commander Dave Fothergill and SOS Bus

SoLUTiONs, Luton's Community Safety Partnership, held its second public summit to update residents on the progress in reducing crime and antisocial behaviour over the past year. It also gave residents a chance to meet representatives from agencies such as the Council, Police, Probation, NHS and Fire & Rescue.

Undeterred by the grim weather forecast, over 250 local people attended the event to hear about SoLUTiONs' activities and priorities for the coming year, and to voice ideas and any concerns.

Levels of crime in Luton have reduced substantially over the past three years, dropping by 17 per cent from 2007/08 to 2008/09 and by a further 11 per cent from 2008/09 to 2009/10. During the past year, Luton has experienced the lowest levels of crime seen in the three year time period.

SoLUTiONs has delivered or commissioned a range of initiatives to reduce and prevent crime and antisocial behaviour across the town. Bitesize presentations outlined particular projects such as Project Turnaround helping prevent young people offending or becoming involved in antisocial behaviour; the Independent Domestic Violence Advisor Service offering a wide range of practical safety options for victims of domestic abuse to ensure their long-term safety; the SOS Bus Luton located in St George's Square every Friday and Saturday night helping people who are victims of crime, vulnerable, lost, injured or unwell; and Operation Vision, a campaign to boost public safety, satisfaction and confidence in Bedfordshire Police.

Priorities for the soLUTiONs partnership include targeting the town centre and other crime hotspots; focusing on young offenders and vulnerable victims of crime; drugs and alcohol; reducing reoffending and tackling the fear of crime. Group workshops discussed actions and ideas to drive priorities along.

SoLUTiONs, Luton's Community Safety Partnership, is a partnership of organisations including the Council, Police, NHS, Probation and Fire & Rescue services working together to address crime, antisocial behaviour, drug and alcohol problems and (re)offending behaviour in the town. Its vision is to make Luton a safer place in which to live, work, learn and have fun.

For more information please contact Michèle Brawley, Community Safety Partnership Support Officer, on 01582 546231 or email michele.brawley@luton.gov.uk or go to www.luton.gov.uk/solutions