THIS month I wanted to provide you with some highlights of the partnership’s activities over the last year. We have… n Continued helping to ensure that there are fewer victims of crime in Wyre Forest, with reductions achieved in both dwelling and non-dwelling burglary, criminal damage and drugs offences over the year 2010-2011 compared to the previous year.

n Supported more than 180 vulnerable residents and victims of dwelling burglary through our Home Security Scheme, which offers home security advice and established Secured by Design-approved home security products, provided free of charge to the occupier. This district-wide service is available by a referral from a Police Community Support Officer or a Neighbourhood Warden n Funded the ‘Think Before You Drink’ campaign, which has helped to reduce the number of young people that congregate in groups to drink in the evenings n Been supporting local community groups through the provision of small grants. We’ve helped events such as Party in the Parks in Bewdley and Stourport.

n Provided funding for a World Cup Campaign around responsible drinking and domestic abuse, cycle marking at Wolverley High School and summer and winter crime prevention campaigns.

n Funded Subway Deluxe 2.0, the second phase of the Comberton Hill subways project, which got young people involved in transforming the subways to improve this important gateway into Kidderminster out of all recognition.

n Supported Wyre Forest District Council in the delivery of activities for young people, to help keep them occupied during school holidays. This recently included Fab Feb, a week-long programme of activities over the February half-term aimed at young people aged between 11 and 19 years.

n Refreshed the Wyre Forest Hate Incident Partnership, which aims to increase awareness and enable residents to report incidents in a comfortable environment. The Worcestershire Hub is a reporting centre, along with other community based locations.

n Completed our Partnership Plan for 2011/12, identifying priorities and actions for the year ahead. Our priorities are determined by levels of crime, impact on the community and community concerns. The priorities focus on anti-social behaviour, environmental issues, domestic abuse and community safety-related town centre issues.

For more information on our activities visit www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk or contact the WFCSP Support Team by emailing community.safety@wyreforestdc.gov.uk or telephone 01562 732929.

HELEN DYKE Chairman