Community Safety
Community Safety Newsletter
One of the lowest crime areas in England and Wales
Keeping your vehicle safe this winter
DrinkORDrive this Christmas
Keeping South Staffordshire one of the lowest crime areas in the country
When comparing crime figures over a 12-month time frame vehicle crime has seen a reduction of 17% in thefts from a motor vehicle and 11% in thefts of a motor vehicle with burglary residential seeing a reduction of 8%. South Staffordshire Council and South Staffordshire Local Policing Team are working in partnership to identify any areas where crime is increasing and putting in place awareness and visible policing to reassure communities and deter criminals. Joint working is also taking place with neighbouring counties and police forces to tackle cross border crime and discourage criminals travelling into the district from out of the area.
Domestic abuse has seen a decrease of 13% and within this, domestic incidents involving more serious violence have decreased by 18% and violence against women and girls has seen a reduction of 8% too. Since 18th November South Staffordshire Council has been running its “Winter Extra Layer” campaign, in which FREE personal alarms have been made available to residents of South Staffordshire. Parish Councils and the Coop have worked with the Council to make residents aware and be a collection point for the alarms too.
Retail crime has seen an increase of 6% and South Staffordshire Council and Police are liaising with businesses to identify ways of reducing shoplifting in the district.
Incidents of Anti-Social Behaviour have seen a 20% decrease with nuisance vehicles being seized under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002.
As part of Staffordshire Police’s “Be Sure You’re Secure” campaign, crime prevention advice is available on the Staffordshire Police website at https://www.staffordshire.police.uk
If you don’t want to click on the link then contact communitysafety@sstaffs.gov.uk
Hints and tips to keep your vehicle safe this winter
Some hints and tips to keep your vehicle safe and secure.
Always lock your vehicle.
Never leave any items on view in your vehicle either on your drive or when parked away from home.
Ensure all windows, doors and sunroofs are locked securely.
If possible, park in well lit areas in a car park that’s well used.
Remove any signs that you may have left something in your car such as sat nav mounts, or cables on view that may be perceived that you have left a Sat Nav, smartphone or other device in your car.
Ensure your vehicle has an alarm that will sound should there be any interference.
Use a steering lock.
Never leave any documents in the vehicle such as the Vehicle Registration Notice, insurance documents or your driving licence.
On a frosty morning don’t leave the engine running with the keys in the ignition, factor time in to sit in your vehicle while it’s defrosting.
If you have a smart doorbell at home, leave your vehicle within viewing range of the camera.
If you have a work van it’s ideal to take any tools out of it overnight, if this isn’t possible then use a property marker to identify your tools.
Councillor Mike Davies, Cabinet Member for Community Services is encouraging residents to take steps to protect their vehicles “Take time to remove any items from vehicles that could be attractive to opportunistic thieves, think about purchasing a steering lock and on frosty mornings give yourself more time so you can stay with your vehicle rather than leave it unattended with the ignition on. These are just a few steps that we can all consider to protect ourselves from being a victim of vehicle crime”.
For further information contact communitysafety@sstaffs.gov.uk
DrinkORDrive this festive season
South Staffordshire Community Safety Partnership is encouraging people not to drink at all if they are planning to drive.
Some facts about alcohol:
Everyone reacts to alcohol differently, so you’re best to avoid drinking completely if you’re planning to drive, as even a small amount can affect your ability to react. By attempting to drive after having a drink you’re putting other road users, and yourself, at risk.
Drink driving isn’t ok, don’t let your mate, family member, or someone you know drink drive. Even short journeys are unsafe after a drink, it’s not worth risking the consequences – even if your journey home is quite rural it’s still dangerous.
Consider how you will get home safely in advance of a night out – make plans for a taxi/designated driver before you go out, it’s too late when you’re already at the pub.
If you’re drinking late into the night, or drink a large amount of alcohol, you might still be over the limit the next day. Catch the bus or get a taxi if you need to go somewhere the next morning just to be safe.
You are more likely to be involved in a crash if you’ve had a drink.
Staffordshire Police randomly test for drink driving at the roadside. If you fail the roadside test, and subsequent lab tests, you could be charged.
The consequences of drink driving are serious: a minimum 12 month driving ban, a criminal record, a hefty fine up to six months in prison and an endorsement on your licence for 11 years. It can also result in increased car insurance costs, loss of job etc.
You can find more details about the law surrounding driving under the influence of drink or drugs here: https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rs/road-safety/alcohol-drug-driving/ or contact communitysafety@sstaffs.gov.uk
Wishing all our subscribers a very Happy Christmas
South Staffordshire Community Safety Partnership wishes all our subscribers a very Happy Christmas.
Send an email to communitysafety@sstaffs.gov.uk entitled “CSP Newsletter competition” and you’ll be entered into a competition to win a Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) | Wireless Video Doorbell Security Camera with 1080p HD Video, battery-powered, Wifi.
Terms and conditions are available on South Staffordshire Council’s website South Staffordshire Community Safety Partnership | South Staffordshire District Council
Closing date is Friday 17th January 2025