BIRMINGHAM SUPERMARKETS UNITE FOR SAFETY ROADSHOWS

Police from Belgrave Rd command unit (E3 OCU), Billesley command unit (E2 OCU) and the local authority are working with Supermarkets across Hall Green to provide immediate access to free information and advice on crime prevention, burglary reduction, domestic abuse and home fire safety checks.

The first roadshows will take place with a police presence at Aldi (Sparkbrook, Stratford Rd) on Saturday 3 November (11-3pm) and Waitrose (Hall Green, Stratford Rd) on 8 November (11am - 3pm). Supermarket safety roadshows will feature information from West Midlands Police, West Midlands Fire Service, Victim Support, Hall Green Local Delivery Group (LDG) and Birmingham Council. Roadshows have seasonal safety messages to maximise the number of people who can get free help.

Aidan Lawrence, from Aldi stores, said: "Aldi is delighted to be able to support police and local partners in promoting community safety advice. Supermarkets can be a useful way of getting safety advice and reassurance to members of the public."

Andy Tipper, Hall Green LDG Constituency Community Safety Manager, said: "The United Streets of Birmingham campaign is an opportunity for different people to come together and support police efforts to tackle crime and safety. A lot of help is available free for the public.

"Halloween, Bonfire Night and the darker winter nights give the partnership cause to actively work together to support the public. We are delighted local supermarkets are helping make sure the partnership support can reach the public."

Inspector Paul Clarke, from Belgrave Road command unit (West Midlands Police), said: "United Streets of Birmingham is about continuing the positive results that we've seen across the city recently. Crime has reduced year every since 2002 and is currently at its lowest level for decades. However, we cannot afford to be complacent and are committed to working together to keep our communities safe. By reminding our communities of the simple measures they can put in place in terms of personal safety and looking after their home and belongings, we hope crime will remain low."

"Crime statistics for the city have shown great progress in a number of areas. Although crime has fallen, we recognise the importance of reducing fear of crime, of public reassurance and of public confidence in all local agencies. A new robbery vehicle and anti-social behaviour responder vehicle have gone out on patrol during United Streets of Birmingham fortnight."

Jill Dourass, from Victim Support, said: "Domestic abuse is a big issue. Anyone can help others by either taking a 'Survival Card' and giving it to someone they know who is in need, or simply distribute a few cards to their local community centres, cafes and clubs where women might see the cards. It can be very useful for people to have in an emergency."

Hall Green Constituency Director, Bret Willers, said: "In our constituency, West Midlands Fire Service promoted road safety, home safety and bonfire safety as well as reducing fly-tipping; Sparkbrook Town Centre Management and Hall Green ward organised clampdowns on 'inconsiderate parking'; Safer Travel operations on buses; Housing 'walkabouts' address environmental issues; Wardens provide extra patrols to complement police resources; police visited schools and public houses. Undercover operations targeted criminals. It shows our local community safety partnership is contributing to police efforts."

SUPPORTING INFORMATION

The year-long 'United Streets of Birmingham' campaign launched this summer to encourage people who live and work in Birmingham to 'unite' with each other, the police and other agencies to take crime prevention measures.

The focus is on specific crimes such as robbery, burglary and vehicle crime and aims to give residents advice on how to keep themselves and their belongings safe.

Recent statistics for Birmingham show that crime is at it's lowest since 2003/04.

Domestic burglary is down by 37 per cent, theft from motor vehicles is down by 23 per cent and personal robbery is down by 25 per cent.

As part of the campaign, adverts are displayed across Birmingham throughout the year, targeting specific crimes such as mobile phone theft, burglary and cycle theft.

A website (unitedbirmigham.com) has also be launched which contains easy-to-follow crime prevention advice and the latest news on crime figures in Birmingham.

The adverts are also available to download from the site and a leaflet detailing simple crime prevention tips is also being distributed across homes in the city.

Of the 8 major cities(Newcastle, Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester, Liverpool, Nottingham, Birmingham and Bristol), Birmingham has the lowest crime rate.

According to a report (Urban Crime Rankings) produced by think-tank 'Reform' in May 2006, Birmingham ranked as 12th safest out of 56 cities/authorities for their crime rates. Rural areas like Gloucester and Exeter fair far worse than we do with a population of over one million.

There have been 24,040 less victims of crime since April 2003-March 2004 meaning more than a 20per cent reduction with 140, 225 victims compared to 116,185 offences between April 2006-March 2007.

There have been 4,496 less homes burgled since April 2003-March 2004. That's a huge 37per cent reduction in burglary! This is one of our major successes since April 2003 - March 2004 from 12,170 incidents to 7,674 last year (April 06-March07).

There were 2,985 less cars broken into between April 2006-March 2007, compared to April 03-March 04 when there were 13,949 thefts from cars, compared to 10,964. That's over a 21per cent reduction and almost 3000 more cars, safer on the streets of Birmingham.

There have been 4,831 fewer cars stolen since April 2003-March 2004. That's more than a 49 per cent reduction in motor vehicle theft. This crime type saw figures reduce from 9,811 to 4,980 last year. That's almost 5000 more cars staying with their rightful owners.

Robbery is a crime type that concerns many people. There have been 1259 less victims of robbery since April 03-March 04 from 5,691 robberies compared to 4,432 last year. That's a 21per cent reduction in robbery which can help in making us feel safer when we are out and about in Birmingham.