News

PARTNERSHIP CUTS VIOLENT CRIME IN HALF...

Violent crime and anti-social behaviour in Folkestone’s pub and club land has shown a sustained reduction over the last two years.
 
The Folkestone Area Partnership Against Crime (FAPAC) has had a direct impact o­n making the town even safer according to figures just published.

The number of violent crimes reported has gone down in every six month period since the start of 2004 and in the period January to June, it has almost halved since the same period in 2004. The number has dropped to 42 in the first six months of this year from a high of 80 in 2004.

Jyotsna Leney, Crime Reduction and CCTV Manager for Shepway District Council said:  “The Shepway Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and Shepway District Council’s CCTV service are very pleased to note the positive results and are proud of the contribution that all agencies involved have made towards impacting o­n crime reduction within the town area. We endeavour to work ever harder with partners and traders to continue reducing crime, in particular alcohol related disorder in our town centres and also improve service delivery to maximise the impact of the work that we do.”

Marie Spicer of Pipers Night Club said:  “I think communication has been the key factor in reducing crime in Tontine Street and the Harbour area. FAPAC members have united in banning people who want to cause trouble and as a collective we are sending out the message that they are not welcome o­n our premises.

“The FAPAC Safer Socialising Award scheme has highlighted areas where better management and staff training is essential in preventing trouble before it starts. In achieving a Silver FAPAC Safer Socialising award, Pipers has been acknowledged as being a safer venue for our customers.

“Every night-time venue in Folkestone needs to adhere to the basic rules of sensible drinking policies, vigilance in underage and zero tolerance o­n drugs and violence. By doing this we can make Folkestone an ever safer place to enjoy.”