The Gazette, Friday, February 4, 2011
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FEATURE
MEET THE PARTNERS
ANNUAL FAMILY EVENT SHOWCASES FIGHT AGAINST CRIME
A major event in Newport next week will showcase over 35 community safety organisations, telling visitors how they work together to help tackle and prevent crime. ‘Partners Against Crime’, which was held for the first time last year and was a follow up to the popular ‘Question Crime’ event in 2009, is a multi-agency day for all the family organised by the Isle of Wight Community Safety Partnership. Major organisations including the Isle of Wight Council, Hampshire Constabulary, the Island’s NHS, the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Probation Trust will be joined by a large number of other organisations for the day. It will again be held at Medina Leisure Centre on Saturday 12 February between 1000 – 1530 and will feature displays, demonstrations, showcase services and provide consultation opportunities.
This year’s Partners Against Crime will cover the five key priorities for the partnership. These are Substance Misuse, Anti-Social Behaviour, Domestic Abuse, Reducing Offending and Protecting Vulnerable Individuals. A Taser demonstration, drugs dog displays, Smartwater demonstration, a security tag display, a Road Traffic Collision demonstration and magic shows for children of all ages with a Community Safety twist will be taking place throughout the day. Community chefs will cook up some healthy eating ideas and mocktails, an alternative to alcohol. A selection of emergency service and community safety vehicles will be on display including a fire engine, police road policing unit, ambulance, NHS and police 4x4s and the road safety trailer. Isle of Wight Council Leader David Pugh said the event is a follow on from last year, saying “All of the Isle of Wight’s major
organisations work together on a daily basis to help reduce crime and improve the every day lives of residents. “This can be anything from reducing drug use so users don’t commit crime to fund their habits, preventing shops from selling age restricted products to underage people, cracking down on speeding and helping reduce accidents – the list goes on. “It is very important the council and its partners provide events such as Partners Against Crime as it gives people a chance to see what we do, while also interacting and speaking to the various agencies involved.” Isle of Wight Police Commander, Superintendent Norman Mellors, said: “I believe reductions in crime are achieved where strong links exist between residents, neighbourhood leaders and community safety professionals. “Public support for local police and partner agencies is an essential element in warning criminals they’ll be never
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tolerated on our Island. I look forward to seeing as many residents as possible on February 12 when there’s an opportunity to both witness and get more involved in our combined efforts to keep the island safe.” Kevin Flynn, Chief Executive, NHS Isle of Wight said “Partners Against Crime is a very important event because creating a safe environment encourages people to participate in activities outside the home. This improves health and wellbeing for all ages and sectors of our population. “The NHS has a key part to play which goes beyond treating the victims of crime and we strongly support the event at Medina Leisure Centre.” Parking is available on the main car parks at Medina leisure centre and also on the tennis courts at the rear of Medina High School. There is also parking available at the nearby Seaclose Park.