Community Safety and Crime Prevention Plan

Transcription

1 Safer Broken Hill Safety and Crime Prevention Plan

2 Message from the Mayor The City of Broken Hill is striving to ensure that Broken Hill is a safer place to live for all members of the community and our visitors. The development of the Broken Hill - Safety and Crime Prevention Plan, has identified several strategies that promote the active participation of residents in implementing community safety initiatives. Whether attending a community forum or event, adopting some basic principles to improve personal safety and prevent crime, or reporting suspicious information to police, members of our community have an important role to play in promoting safety and reducing preventable crime in the City of Broken Hill. It gives me great pleasure to formally introduce the Broken Hill Safety and Crime Prevention Plan, which will guide the City in its safety and crime prevention efforts over the next four years. Mayor Wincen Cuy Four key strategies and underpinning actions will focus on awareness and education, partnerships with key stakeholders, a safe physical environment and effective Safety Development. The Plan will focus on a more proactive approach, as opposed to a reactive response, targeting areas of priority identified through the 2013 Surveys, and the analysis of local crime statistics and trends. Crime prevention is about working together as a community to improve safety and most importantly it s about encouraging cooperation and a sense of responsibility for our own personal safety. By further building on our partnerships with local Police, key government and non government stakeholders, as well as the local community, the City seeks to empower every resident to be a part of our shared vision of a Safer Broken Hill.

3 1. Introduction resolved at its meeting of January 23, 2013, that Broken Hill City develop a crime prevention plan to reduce the incidence of crime in our community and promote the community s involvement in preventing crime. Primary responsibility for policing, implementing law enforcement, community safety and crime prevention lies with state government agencies such as the. Broken Hill City has a supporting role in working with the community, businesses, government agencies and other stakeholders in achieving sustainable community safety and crime prevention outcomes. 1.1 Objectives of this Plan The objectives of the Safety and Crime Prevention Plan are: to increase community awareness of safer community initiatives to promote a whole of community approach aimed at reducing preventable crime within the city and, to strengthen and encourage partnerships that promote a coordinated approach to community safety 2. Link to Broken Hill 2033 Strategic Plan The Safety and Crime Prevention Plan, supports the following key directions of the Broken Hill Strategic Plan: Our : Enhancing community wellbeing and engagement through the empowerment of all people and the provision of safe neighbourhoods. Our Environment: Developing and maintaining safe and sustainable natural and built environment. Our Services: Maintaining and improving infrastructure and services and the quality of life in Broken Hill to ensure it continues to be a place where people want to live, work and visit. 3. Profile and Demographics The City of Broken Hill is the largest regional centre in the western half of New South Wales. It lies in the centre of the sparsely settled New South Wales outback, close to the South Australian border and midway between the Queensland and Victorian borders. With a population of just over 18,000 people, the City of Broken Hill is the economic and cultural hub of Far Western NSW. It boasts a thriving mining and service industry and welcomes over 300,000 tourists per year (Broken Hill 2033 Strategic Plan). SNAPSHOT OF BROKEN HILL DEMOGRAPHICS Total Persons: 18,517 Total Female: 9,499 Total Male: 9,018 Median Age: 43 Persons Aged 0-14: 3,333 Persons Aged 15-24: 2,037 Persons Aged 25-34: 1,852 Persons Aged: 35-64: 7,407 Persons Aged 65 and older: 3,704 Average household size: 2.2 Indigenous persons: 1,388 Employed full time: 4,371 Employed part time: 2,079 Data obtained RDA Far West Regional Plan

4 3.1 Crime Profile Data This plan has been developed with consideration of data obtained from the New South Wales Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research Recorded Crime Statistics The highest priority areas of criminal incidence for the Broken Hill LGA are: Criminal Incident Malicious Damage to Property Break & Enter Dwelling Break & Enter Non Dwelling Steal from Motor Vehicle Assault Non Domestic Violence related Assault Domestic Violence related Number of Incidents BH LGA (2012) Ratio to NSW Rate The ratio to NSW rate (noted in the table above), is a comparison of a NSW LGA rate per 100,000 population, to the overall NSW rate per 100,000. A ratio of one indicates parity with the NSW rate. Ratios above one indicate a rate higher than the overall NSW rate, and a ratio lower than one indicate a rate that is lower than the overall NSW rate. 4. Broken Hill Safety Precinct Committee The Broken Hill Safety Precinct Committee was established in 2009, and provides the opportunity for local community stakeholders to meet with Police and share their perspective on local crime and safety issues. The committee meets quarterly and provides the opportunity for the Local Area Command to promote local crime information, statistics, and raise awareness of the latest crime prevention approaches. The Broken Hill Safety Precinct Committee comprises representative from: NSW (Barrier Command) Broken Hill City Department of Education Housing Representatives Department of Justice and Attorney General Chamber of Commerce Federal/State Representatives 5. How was this plan developed? In developing the Broken Hill Safety and Crime and Prevention Plan, a number of consultation methods were used to inform the key strategies within the plan. This plan has been based on input from stakeholders and target groups, and formatted utilising a template from the City of Melville (WA). The consultations aimed to determine the perception of crime and safety within the community, and to ensure the plan addressed these perceptions.

5 The Local Safety Precinct Committee, facilitated a random Safety Survey between 24 February and 26 March 2013, with the assistance of Volunteers in Policing. The survey aimed to identify the level of awareness around safety within the community, and the satisfaction of residents with services provided by local police. A total of 362 respondents participated in the Let us know what you want Feedback Survey. The results from this Survey, together with crime statistics and demographics of the City, were used to develop the actions under the key strategies in this plan. An overview of the plan and its objectives, has been presented to several local groups to ensure the identified actions compliment existing community strategies and plans, and offer continual feedback avenues to ensure ongoing relevance of the document. Consultation with various community groups and organisations will continue during the public consultation period and during the lifespan of the plan. 5.1 The main findings from the Safety Survey were: % of respondents acknowledged the city of Broken Hill as a safe place to live % of respondents acknowledged awareness that the city of Broken Hill has a relatively low crime rate. The main areas identified by participants as requiring further attention are stealing, offensive behaviour, house break-ins and also improved lighting within the city. There was a strong concern within the sample of respondents, regarding the impact of drug and alcohol use within the community. 6. Strategies The Broken Hill Safety and Crime Prevention Plan, presents 4 key strategy areas, with underpinning actions to guide the implementation of the 4 strategies. Strategy One - Awareness and Education communicating useful information to empower people and increase safety awareness Strategy Two - Partnerships working together with shared goals and vision to promote a coordinated approach to community safety Strategy Three - Safe Physical Environment safe public spaces and secure homes aim at reducing crime through environmental design Strategy Four - Safety Development a desire to improve and sustain community safety through strengthening community links, sense of belonging and pride within the community

6 Key Strategies STRATEGY ONE STRATEGY TWO STRATEGY THREE STRATEGY FOUR Awareness and education partnerships Safe Physical Environment Safety Development Enhance the profile of the Safety Precinct Committee Maintain high public profile on anti social behaviour Continual media promotion of safer community initiatives Promote community education sessions Support and resource community groups Development of resources and materials Promotion of digital media Promote/support school awareness and education programs CDAT Liquor Accord CWP NGO s Chamber of Commerce BHCC CLC Pastoralists Association Promote safety in public and private spaces Reduce crime through design Identification of crime Hot Spots Abbreviation Code: Safety Precinct Committee NGO s Non Government Organisations BHCC Broken Hill City CPTED Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design CDAT Drug Action Team CWP Working Party CPO Crime Prevention Officer CLC Legal Centre

7 STRATEGY ONE Awareness and Education Communicating useful information to empower people Action 1.1 Promote and Implement safer community and crime prevention initiatives CPO Chamber of Commerce Government agencies CDAT Service Providers Local Media CSGP CPO Incorporate information on digital media in information resources including Crime Stoppers Eye watch Facebook Barrier LAC 1.2 Enhance and promote Website and Internet access to community safety and crime prevention information Detail Responsibility Education and awareness presentations held for vulnerable groups eg aged, youth Promotion of safety initiatives for businesses eg Biz Safe, CCTV Support youth based programs eg Love Bites, Drug and Alcohol forums Development and distribution of relevant resources and materials on safety initiatives Regular articles in media on local crime trends Key Performance Indicators Number of presentations held Number of resources developed Resource developed

8 STRATEGY ONE Awareness and Education Communicating useful information to empower people Responsibility Action 1.3 Support and resource community groups and businesses 1.4 Implement campaigns targeted at drug and alcohol use 1.5 Monitor and review local crime prevention statistics and data on priority areas Detail CPO Chamber of Commerce CDAT Liquor Accord Local clubs/hotels CPO Monitoring of statistical trends in areas of high local incidence with a focus on: Malicious damage to property Break and enter/steal Assault Development of promotional resources eg safety booklets, calendars with safety tips Presentations to businesses and organisations on improved security options eg CCTV Educational presentations provided to identified target groups eg Biz Safe Coordinate Annual Drug and Alcohol Forum Representation at Liquor Accord and CDAT meetings Promotion and implementation of alcohol free zones Support national media campaigns eg Don t turn a night out into a nightmare Key Performance Indicators Resources developed Number of presentations held Annual Forum held Number of programs implemented Statistical comparisons undertaken

9 STRATEGY TWO Partnership Working together with shared goals and vision Action 2.1 Support and actively promote partnerships with Local Police Responsibility Local Government agencies Service providers Detail 2.2 Engagement of Aboriginal community 2.3 Engagement of young people CWP Government agencies NGO s Key Performance Indicators Participation in local Safety Precinct Committee Meetings presence at community events Coordination of Annual Survey and Safety Forum Encourage public reporting of crime and safety concerns Representation at CWP meetings Alignment of strategies with existing plans and documents Establish avenues for ongoing consultation on safety matters Promotion of safety initiatives through youth leadership groups eg Youth, Young Leaders groups Representation at Youth Services and Schools Interagency Number of meetings attended Number of community events supported Annual Forum held Number of meetings attended Consultations held Number of meetings attended

10 STRATEGY TWO Partnership Working together with shared goals and vision Action 2.4 Network with Local Interagency groups 2.5 Support and increase awareness of existing programs and initiatives Responsibility Services providers CPO Government agencies Sporting groups Pastoralists Assoc groups Detail Key Performance Indicators Opportunities for partnership projects identified Representation at Interagency and community meetings Promote school based programs eg Love Bites Support Good Sports program Promote charity/faith based support groups Support Reclaim the Night, White Ribbon Day Reporting of graffiti (Graffiti Register) Raise profile of Parental Responsibility Act Promotion of Rural Watch, Anti Rustling Initiatives Number of partnership projects undertaken Number of Interagency meeting attended Number of programs supported

11 STRATEGY THREE Safe Physical Environment Safe public spaces and secure homes Action 3.1 Promote safe public spaces Responsibility Detail Use of effective signage Policing of venues Use of Security Services Encourage public reporting of crime and safety concerns Implementation of CPTED guidelines improved lighting/cctv Key Performance Indicators % of residents indicating they feel safe in public spaces 3.2 Identify public space hot spots Use of CCTV Encourage overt police patrols Improved environmental aspects of area using CPTED principles eg improved lighting Number of identified hot spots 3.4 Encourage home and personal security Local businesses Local Media Public campaigns eg Securing your home Promote installation of safety devices eg security lighting, surveillance cameras, alarms Media articles Implement CPTED guidelines within the community eg minimising visual obstructions around the home Encourage reporting of suspicious behaviour % of residents indicating they feel safe at home BHCC

12 STRATEGY FOUR Safety Development A desire to improve and sustain community safety Action 4.1 Enhance the profile of the Safety Precinct Committee Responsibility All members Detail Key Performance Indicators Attendance at meetings Support in development and distribution of safety related resources eg calendars, fact sheets Participation in promotional activities at community events Number of meetings attended Number of resources developed 4.2 Promote high profile community activities as safe events Local Media Encourage community participation in safe community activities Christmas Pageant NAIDOC Celebrations Carols by Candlelight Reclaim the Night Australia Day activities Number of community events supported 4.3 Promote and support community safety initiatives Government Agencies Service providers Number of initiatives supported Support school based programs eg Love Bites Representation on Domestic Violence Committee Raise profile of Parental Responsibility Act Support Youth Conferencing opportunities Support organisations implementing Work Order programs (State Debt Recovery Office)

13 STRATEGY FOUR Safety Development A desire to improve and sustain community safety Action 4.4 Promote Safer Communities as everybody s business Responsibility Local media Detail 4.5 Maintain links to relevant networks Government Agencies Key Performance Indicators Media campaigns regular articles on crime trends and safety tips Public consultation on Crime Prevention Plan Encourage active participation in community engagement activities eg know your neighbour day Promote Volunteers in Policing activities Local Government Safety and Crime Prevention Network (NSW ) information and resources Continued support of Attendance at relevant training and conferences Number of media stories Consultation conducted Number of community events held Networks maintained

14 7. Monitoring and reviewing The Broken Hill Safety Precinct Committee meets quarterly providing the opportunity to monitor the ongoing development and implementation of this plan. The plan is intended as a living document, that will be revised and amended through consultation, and monitoring of crime statics and trends in local data. An Annual Safety Forum together with a Safety Survey will promote feedback on the implementation of the plan from the community. Avenues for feedback on developed plans are available through Talk to us, How can I have my say? 8. Acknowledgements A number of individuals and organisations have contributed to the development of the Broken Hill Safety and Crime Prevention Plan, including staff, members of the Safety Precinct Committee and local Crime Prevention Officer, Senior Constable Karina Dawson. appreciates and acknowledges their commitment and efforts. Broken Hill City also acknowledges the City of Melville (WA) for sharing their resources to assist us in the development of this plan. 9. Related Plans and Strategies Broken Hill 2033 Strategic Plan City Of Melville Safety and Crime Prevention Plan City Of Melville Safety and Crime Prevention Plan Aboriginal Strategic Direction Crime Prevention through Environmental Design Guidelines 10. Useful contacts and sites Emergencies Broken Hill Police Station Crime Stoppers NSW Website 000 (08)

15 Quality Control Key Direction: Objective: Function: Strategy: File Reference No: Type of Plan: Responsible Officer: Review Date: Date Adopted by : Minute Number: Next Review Date: 4. Wellbeing 5. To develop, implement and support strategies that assist vulnerable groups to feel safe within their community Policy, Planning and Administration 3.1 Promote and participate in safer community initiatives 13/140 Manager Services September annually 30 October September 2014