Gloucestershire communities feel safer after government funding says report

The Safer Street Fund, launched in 2020, has provided Gloucestershire Constabulary with more than £3million pounds.

The aim is to reduce crime in the worst affected residential areas.

In Gloucestershire the money has been spent tackling issues such as male violence against women and girls, rural crime and anti-social behaviour.

The Police and Crime Commissioner for the county, Chris Nelson, said, “I am pleased to see that this initial review shows that the work we do as Police and Crime Commissioners is making a tangible difference and improving the public’s confidence in policing.

“It is a welcome endorsement of the hard work that has gone into securing this investment and the benefits of working with partners to make our communities better.

“I’ve been very clear that I want the police to work with councils and other partners to create safer communities and cut crime and anti-social behavior.

"The Safer Streets Fund (SSF) helps make that happen.”

The funding has led to crime prevention initiatives such as; The deployment of cameras and lighting to improve the safety of women and girls (inc. Gloucester Park), support to prevent street drinking, enchanced forensic testing for burglaries and much more.

Mr Nelson added, "“Increasing public safety in our communities, and restoring people’s confidence in the police and pride in where they live, is an absolute priority.

“We are witnessing firsthand the positive impact these preventative initiatives are having in supporting victims, tackling anti-social behaviour, embedding vital community safety projects and helping to tackle male violence against women and girls.

“I want our streets to be safe for everyone to go about their daily lives without fear inflicted on them by criminals.

"I look forward to continuing this work alongside our partners, preventing crime and making a real difference to the lives of those in our communities."