City of Lincoln Council, working in partnership with the independent charity Crimestoppers (CS), has launched a pilot scheme to reduce crime and promote community safety in the City
The Crimestoppers scheme will run on Hermit Street and will provide valuable anonymous information to the CS team and the police on crime in the area. Crimestoppers unique anonymous service provides residents safety when reporting non-life-threatening crimes with the opportunity to contact the CS telephone line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Residents in Hermit Street have been given posters and leaflets to inform them of what the scheme is, how it works and what kinds of crimes should be reported. In total over 130 flyers were handed out and conversations were held with nearly 50 residents of the area. In addition, a residents meeting was also held to help communicate the pilot.
The area has been chosen to pilot the scheme in Lincoln due to its strong sense of community spirit and it’s defined geographical area. These traits should enable Hermit Street to work well as a pilot for the programme.
The scheme is expecting to continue for several months so that the crime rate and the reporting rate can be analysed thoroughly. Crime rates for the areas will be monitored by calls to CS, Housing and the police, but also through the reduction of incidents in the area. If the scheme is successful, there is also wider spectrum for more Crimestoppers zones to be introduced across the City to try and tackle anti-social behaviour.
Sue Burke, Portfolio Holder for Reducing Inequality said
“Schemes such as Crimestoppers are incredibly important to help to reduce and deter crimes.
In areas with a strong community spirit such as Hermit Street, we believe this Crimestoppers scheme will enable more people to report non-life-threatening crimes and feel safer in reporting these too. The anonymity of the reporting makes this a valuable scheme for those want to report crimes but usually wouldn’t for fear of the repercussions.
It is a fantastic scheme and with the potential opportunity to role the scheme out further across Lincoln, it could help tackle antisocial behaviour down Hermit Street and across the City.”