Merseyside's
Parks to be 'Safer than Ever' this Summer
High visibility police patrols will be stepped
up in parks across Merseyside this summer as part of a campaign to make
public spaces in the region safer than ever.
A
partnership, comprising Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire & Rescue
and local authorities, is looking to build on the outstanding success
of the inaugural Safespace initiative last year, with the reduction of
antisocial behaviour a priority.
In 2007, the two-month-long campaign led to a dramatic cut in crime in
parks identified as ‘hotspots’, with successes including a drop
of 85% in theft from motor vehicles in Birkenhead Park and a drop in robberies
in Wavertree Playground of 100%.
This year, Safespace will see thousands of community members taking part
in hundreds of events, with organisers Merseyside Police and partners
confident that further reductions in crime will be achieved due to a greater
police presence.
Positive impact
Assistant Chief Constable Simon Byrne, speaking at the launch of this
summer’s Safespace in Calderstones Park, South Liverpool, said: 'Last
year, Safespace had a hugely positive impact on safety in the region’s
parks.
'We
will be building on the measures introduced in 2007 to ensure further
steps are taken to allow both young and old the opportunity to enjoy their
nearby parks and open spaces.'
Together with a host of activities to be held across Merseyside during
the initiative, Merseyside Police will be stepping up patrols in 23 ‘Gold’
parks through its Total Policing approach, which involves a total war
on crime and total care for victims.
ACC Byrne added: 'Safespace is about making people proud of where they
live. We’ll be working together with our partners and local residents
to help parks regain their place at the heart of thriving communities.'
Safe for everybody to enjoy
Councillor Marilyn Fielding, Liverpool City Council’s Executive Member
for Community Safety, said: 'We are working hard with our partners in
Merseyside Police to make sure that our parks and open spaces are safe
for everybody to enjoy.
'This initiative will help raise the awareness of the beautiful parks
we have in the city and encourage people to use them regularly. Last year’s
Operation Safespace was a tremendous success and we are determined to
replicate that this summer.'
Safespace is being supported by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service. Deputy
Chief Fire Officer Mike Hagen said: 'Parks are fantastic community resources
and we want to help ensure that they are a facility everyone can enjoy.
By working in partnership we can provide a visible presence to deter anti-social
behaviour and encourage positive use of these recreation spaces.'
As part of this year’s Safespace camapign, Merseyside Police is launching
a competition to win your very own bite-size Superlambanana, which will
be customised to the winning design. The competition will be open to 11
to 16-year olds - keep your eye's peeled for more information next week!
Wildlife spotting sessions, such as a ‘Wildlife Tales’ event
to be held in Black Wood, Woolton, on August 2nd and a ‘Woodland
Culture’ day at Clarke Gardens, South Liverpool, on August 5th, are
also included in the programme.
Sporting events to coincide with the Safespace initiative include the
Liverpool/Knowsley International Youth Soccer Tournament, from July 28th
to August 3rd at Geoffrey Hughes Playing Fields, Wyncote, whilst a family-friendly
kite making workshop at Otterspool on August 21st is just one example
of other activities lined up.
