Crime Reduction - Helping to Reduce Crime in Your Area

Streets Ahead: Inspection into the Street Crime Initiative

The Street Crime Initiative began in March 2002 with the aim of cutting street crime (robbery and snatch theft) in the 10 worst affected areas in England. These 10 areas accounted for over 80% of all robbery in England & Wales. A joint inspection of the agencies involved in the initiative found many examples of good practice and found it to be effective in reducing street crime. However, the inspection found room for improvement - particularly in the rehabilitation of offenders.

Title: Streets Ahead: A joint thematic inspection of the Street Crime Initiative
Authors: Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, Ofsted, Her Majesty's Crown Prosecution Inspection Service, Her Majesty's Magistrates Court Service Inspectorate (assisted by the Court Service), Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons, Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation, the Social Services Inspectorate.
Date published: July 2003

Main positive findings

• The Street Crime Initiative had achieved a significant reduction in street crime and street robbery after six months.

• Victims and witnesses were better supported with improved court facilities.

• The initiative was well-resourced with an additional £67 million being invested in reducing street crime in the 10 areas.

• Local partnership working was revitalised and energised with a renewed emphasis on delivery.

Areas for improvement

• The lack of a strategy for capturing and recycling emerging good practice resulted in isolated pockets of good practice.

• The quality of communication both within and between organisations was often poor with evidence of 'silo' mentalities.

• The short-term nature of some central funding streams created uncertainty over the sustainability of some local projects.

• Street crime was not seen as a high priority by all of the 10 police force areas or the local partner agencies, and conflicted with locally agreed priorities in some areas.

• There was insufficient focus on breaking the cycle of offending through effective post sentence supervision and rehabilitation of offenders.

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Last update: 28/07/03