Tackling crime at grassroots level

Brunswick team tackles crime at grassroots level

A crime fighting team patrolling the Brunswick area of Leamington Spa is working with the community to tackle local problems at a local level.

Brunswick is one of three areas in Warwickshire piloting Neighbourhood Crime Fighting Teams on identified beats where there is a disproportionate amount of crime, nuisance and disorder. Teams are also are being trialed in Brownsover, Rugby and West Nuneaton.

The seven strong Brunswick team is tasked to prevent and detect crime, target persistent offenders and take ownership of local problems. The officers work with residents to develop strong community partnerships destined to keep the area safe and crime free on a long term basis.

Led by Sergeant Janet Marsden, the team is made up of beat manager PC Marcus Franklin, PC Tim O'Mahoney, PC Andy Whiston, PC Andy Scruton, Community Support Officer Brian Rich and Special Constable Steve Sample.

The Brunswick team has a fully equipped office in the heart of the beat at the Regenesis Centre in Clemens Street. Patrol duties are be structured to ensure officers concentrate on streets where crime patterns have emerged or where residents have highlighted evidence of drug dealing or drug misuse.

The team has already been involved in setting up the Brunswick Local Action Team (BLAT) with ward councillors Bill Evans and Balvinder Gill, local residents and partner agencies.

The local action team is chaired by Brunswick resident Tim Woods and was formed to allow local people - those most affected by crime - to have input into strategy and decision making on tackling crime. Local people have a real say on issues of concern and policing priorities.

BLAT has a website - www.brunswicklat.org.uk - to keep local people informed about current initiatives.

Following concerns about speeding cars endangering school children on Brunswick Street and Alexandra Road, BLAT members carried out speed checks and forwarded results to road safety managers at Shire Hall in Warwick. And local residents have identified the need for improved street lighting in Eagle Street and Shrubland street to deter nuisance youths.

Brunswick became the first area in South Warwickshire to utilise Smartwater - a property marking solution to deter burglars. The solution is now being used in other parts of the town.

Sergeant Janet Marsden is now working with BLAT members to finalise a Business Watch and Student Watch scheme. And Police community support officer Brian Rich will shortly be delivering crime prevention packs to Brunswick's 3,770 residents with advice about how to avoid car crime.

"This is all about police officers becoming part of the neighhbourhood," said District Commander Chief Inspector Chris Jackson.

"We are not interested in short term, quick-fix answers but innovative plans which will deliver permanent results.

"The aim is to find long term solutions to crime issues which are highlighted by Brunswick residents. Local people can work with our team and have an impact on policing strategies."

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