A NEW strategy to combat crime and anti-social behaviour and make West Devon a safer place to live was launched this week. Safer West Devon 2005-08 is based on the results of an extensive crime audit which examined the characteristics of crime in the area and carried out an extensive survey of residents? views. West Devon Community Safety Partnership is driving the new strategy forward and found that the primary concerns of West Devon people fell into five main priorities: l To reduce the harm that alcohol causes. The partnership wants to cut alcohol-related crime and disorder and improve the quality of life for all. l Cutting the number of all criminal incidents by actively pursuing Acceptable Behaviour Contracts and Anti Social Behaviour Orders and by dealing effectively with individuals who commit crime or anti social acts. The partnership will continue to promote community initiatives such as Neighbourhood Watch. l Reduce the number of incidents of domestic violence and abuse and at the same time encourage the victims and survivors of abuse to report offences. l Work to identify the needs of children and young people in West Devon. This year has already seen several achievements including youth cafés and skate parks. Last month the partnership established a youth intervention support panel. This will work with children between the ages of 8 and 13 who appear to be at risk of developing anti-social tendencies, in order to divert them away from offending behaviour. l Encourage minority groups to voice their concerns to alleviate the impact of rural isolation and deprivation, and champion the needs of the disabled and to improve the quality of life of West Devon?s vulnerable and older residents. Action teams have been assigned for each of these priorities and 38 different targets have been set to drive forward the partnership?s vision for a Safer West Devon. Cllr Peter Hill, chair of the partnership, said a great deal of hard work now lay ahead. ? We have been set our targets by those people who live in West Devon and it?s now up to us all to achieve them so that the borough is a better place to live for everyone.?
