Anti-crime team steps up patrols
Dec 12 2006 By The Journal
Community wardens in Northumberland are stepping up their patrols to help protect traders and shoppers against criminals in the run-up to Christmas.
The county council wardens will be providing a high-profile deterrent to thieves, shoplifters, pickpockets and bag snatchers in Alnwick, Berwick, Blyth, Prudhoe and Hexham right up until December 25.
They will be distributing leaflets on personal safety to shoppers, warning of the risks of purse and handbag thefts and giving practical tips on how to avoid becoming a victim.
Ray Cunningham, from Northumberland County Council's crime reduction team, said:"We are working with our partners to ensure that the run-up to Christmas remains a safe and pleasurable experience. We will do all we can to eliminate any threat of increased criminal activity."
Coun Tony Reid, executive member for health and wellbeing, said: "Wardens encourage residents to report crime and take measures to avoid becoming a victim, as well as identifying problems which can lead to disorder."
The county council manages the eight community wardens and provides around £60,000 in funding each year, which has helped reduce crime in some neighbourhoods by 28%.
Two are based in Castle Morpeth, two in East Ashington and two in the Croft ward of Blyth, with the others covering the more rural areas of North Northumberland and Tynedale.
