Security patrols 'cut crime'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.CRIME has dramatically fallen in an area 'policed' by pioneering, council-run security patrols, it was disclosed yesterday.
But police who opposed the scheme in Sedgefield, Co Durham, said the figure of 900 fewer crimes so far this year was because of their increased foot patrols. Up to 60 other local authorities are said to considering running similar schemes to Sedgefield, which has a force of 11 uniformed patrolmen.
George Wilde, the council's secretary, emphasised: 'We, of course, don't take credit for the crime reduction totally, but we believe our scheme is making a contribution.'
Superintendent Paul West, the local police commander, acknowledged council patrols must have helped cut crimes from 4,450 in the first nine months of 1993 to 3,550 so far this year.
But council patrol manpower was thinly stretched and the main reason had to be increased police activity. Last year police foot patrols were increased by 18 per cent and this year they were 20 per cent higher still.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments