Safer Sutton Initiative

Figures released by the Metropolitan Police Service show a 22% reduction in crime across the London Borough of Sutton between 1994 and 1997. Burglary is down by 34%.

In January 1994 the first Action Plan for a Safer Sutton was launched followed by a second Plan in 1995.

The Safer Sutton Initiative involves the close co - operation of the Metropolitan Police Service, Sutton Council and the South West London Probation Service, as well as the residents themselves, working together to make Sutton a safer place to work, live and visit.

The statutory, voluntary and private sectors are all involved in the development of new initiatives and the partnerships formed continue to build on the successes of the past four years.

The initiative has and will continue to target resources at those who are most vulnerable to, or fearful of crime. It seeks to ensure that all groups in our community who face the threat of crime, sometimes simply because they are in a minority, are given equal consideration.

Safer Sutton aims to:-

* Lessen the fear of crime

* Reduce the level of crime

* Create a better environment for community life to flourish.

Initiatives
Among the initiatives set up have been to make available small grants for community projects, the setting up of a community safety team, a link project giving support to young people experiencing distress in their lives, ensuring effective street lighting and working with local businesses to reduce crime

Small Grants
The grants available are to a maximum of £2,000 per project. This is for groups who want to set up schemes to reduce crime, reduce the fear of crime and help create a safer environment.

A recent example in Sutton of a grant being provided was for the installation of gates in an alleyway at an estate in Sutton. Thieves had been using the alley to gain access and then make their escape after breaking into the backs of houses.