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Release (202/2008) issued by COI News Distribution Service. 20
November 2008
Victims and
witnesses who have successfully spoken out against crime and
anti-social behaviour were praised today by the Neighbourhood
Crime and Justice Adviser Louise Casey on a visit to Sheffield.
Sheffield will receive additional funding of up to £95,000 as one
of 60 areas across the country that have signed up to become new
Neighbourhood Crime and Justice Pioneer Areas, delivering a key
recommendation of the Casey Review. The new pioneer areas will
each appoint a dedicated person - a Neighbourhood Crime and
Justice (NCJ) Co-ordinator - to build public confidence in the
police and courts by ensuring that the public have a greater say
in the way their streets are policed and how offenders are dealt with.
During the visit Louise Casey met a witness who was instrumental
in providing the necessary evidence to evict two individuals from
their council tenancies as a result of drunken, abusive,
threatening and noisy behaviour. The witness helped support other
residents affected and stayed strong throughout the court process,
despite facing abuse and threats towards her and her family. She
is a shining example of someone 'taking a stand' against
anti-social behaviour in her area.
Louise Casey said:
"Increasing public confidence is
essential in the fight against crime as crime can only be tackled
effectively when the police, the public and the criminal justice
system work together. The most important thing is that victims and
witnesses are protected by the authorities and supported by the community.
"I'm delighted that we are investing an additional
£95,000 in Sheffield as one of the new Neighbourhood Crime and
Justice Pioneer Areas and look forward to seeing real changes on
the ground."
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. Areas were invited to bid to become Pioneer Areas on the basis
of a variety of data including deprivation, population size and
crime information. However, equally important in agreeing bids was
their determination to work with local communities to address
local concerns about crime, anti-social behaviour and justice.
2. Funding of £5.6 million is available to support the
Neighbourhood Crime and Justice Pioneer Areas nationally in
2008/09 and 2009/10.
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