By James Simons-
Redbridge Council has pledged £50,000 to support crime reduction projects in the borough.
The council has invited community groups to bid for a portion of the money from the Community Safety Fund.
Organisations such as Neighbourhood Watch, Street Watch, and others will be able to apply for funding of between £500 and £3,000. The awarded funds will be used to provide training and equipment to help those tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.
The council’s Community Safety Fund is directed at supporting good citizenship and helping cut crime, as announced in the recent budget. The initiative to cut crime includes an investment of £1.5m in CCTV across the borough.
Old street lights have also been replaced right across the borough with brighter lights that keep streets bright and prevent antisocial behaviour.
The number of council enforcement officers in the borough has also been increased to 30 to further tackle crime, and fly-tipping in particular. Exactly how the money will be used to tackle crime is still in discussion, and The Eye Of Media.Com will be having an input in various suggestions how the money can be effectively used in cutting crime besides CCTV cameras. Establishing useful educational and social activities to boost the ambitions and mindsets of young people is something to be explored.
Addressing the mentality of young people in a strategic and purposeful manner is a very important way of positively influencing very young people.
Cllr Jas Athwal, leader of the council, said: “We are committed to combating crime in the borough and this is one of the many initiatives we are funding to help keep our streets safe. By aiding and supporting local groups with funds we are able to help them promote good citizenship and assist them in crime prevention in their area.”