Awards For Tackling Crime And Anti-Social Behaviour Launched

An awards scheme to recognise people who have been at the forefront of tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in their communities was launched yesterday by the Government's Crime and Justice Adviser Lousie Casey and Policing Minister David Hanson.

The Community Crime Fighter awards are part of the Government's Justice Seen, Justice Done programme which is all about engaging the public in the fight against crime, informing the public of their rights on crime and justice and giving them the best possible local services.

Community Crime Fighters are experienced local volunteers who are given the skills and training to work alongside police and local authorities to help make their areas safer.

The Government pledged to have 3,600 trained by the end of 2009 and is on target with more than 2,000 trained so far.

The awards have two categories:

• people who have taken a stand against anti-social behaviour or supported those affected by it. This will include newly trained Community Crime Fighters who have made a significant contribution to support crime reduction in their neighbourhoods and;
• local workers, nominated by Community Crime Fighters, for delivering a high quality, responsive local service such as police and housing officers.

Louise Casey said: "The public are our best weapon in fighting crime - they know what is really going on in their neighbourhood, what the real problems are and where residents' concerns lie. Community Crime Fighters are playing a vital role in strengthening the links between the public and the police and it is time that their relentless hard work and dedication in helping to make local areas safer is recognised."

David Hanson said: "These awards build on the work that has been taking place across government to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. Community Crime Fighters provide police with a great way of engaging with the public, working together to keep our streets safe.

"The awards are a chance for us to recognise the unsung heroes in our communities who make a difference to everyday lives and it is right that their dedication to fighting crime is rewarded."

Each category will have one overall winner who will receive £10,000 each to invest in a local community project or initiative. All winners will receive a personalised certificate recognising their achievement.

(KMcA/BMcC)