Ambitious plans to tackle violent crime in Southwark

The results will form a key part of the partnership's strategy, setting out its priorities for the next five years for keeping Southwark safe.

Now residents are being urged to have their say, as the partnership feels it is vital that local people have their say in the priorities to address violent crime in the next few years. Residents can fill out a survey on violent crime which will form a key part of the consultation.

The five year strategy will make the best use of current services, focused on the individuals, families, communities and areas most impacted by violent crime.

Councillor John Friary, cabinet member for community safety at Southwark Council, said:

"One of our key pledges as a new administration was to draw up a strategy on violent crime, and I'm pleased this is now underway. We are determined to continue the good work of the Safer Southwark Partnership in identifying the causes of violent crime and to prevent it from happening, but also identifying the best ways in dealing with the consequences. This survey is a vital tool for us in working out what the borough's residents want from us, and I'd urge as many people as possible to have their say."

Context and background information on violent crime

Violent crime makes up approximately 21% of all recorded crime in the borough.

Violent crime (which is violence against the person, robbery & sexual offences combined) accounts for approximately 1 in every 4 offences in Southwark.

Although recorded violent crime has come down over the last five years, with an overall reduction of 9% since 2005/06, residents have said it is one the issues that concerns them most.

Progress to date

The SSP has developed a whole systems approach to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour. It is based on four tiers which consist of prevention, early intervention, intensive support and enforcement.

Our resources have been directed at the categories of violent crime that impact the most at a local level, as our communities have told us that these are issues which affect their fear of crime and personal safety. We have invested in various programmes to address the following issues

• Relationship violence.
• Violence against women and girls.
• Violent robberies.
• Gang violence.
• Weapon violence.

What the strategy will do

The violent crime strategy is an important document for the communities in Southwark who have told us through our residents surveys, that violent crime is a key concern for them. The violent crime strategy will set out the priorities for the council and its key partners over the next five years. It will make clear recommendations on what we intend to do locally, how communities can be involved and recommendations for regional and central government on the key changes which would make the most impact for local people and local services.

The strategy will set out the violent crime priorities that agencies, services and the community believe affect them most. The priorities will look at the impact on victims, whether they be individuals, families, communities or businesses, and what we are currently doing. It will also look at, based on our information and consultation, what we should focus on over the next five years.

Consultation scope and timescales

The SSP will be consulting widely with residents and community groups across the borough, using local media, social media, events, and workshops.

There will also be an online questionnaire that can be found at http://www.southwark.gov.uk/keepingyousafe

The consultation starts on 1 September 2010 and will run until 15 October 2010.