CAT team should target louts, say residents (From Warrington Guardian)

CAT team should target louts, say residents

A PIONEERING crime-fighting initiative has allowed Whitecross residents to decide their community's policing priorities.

A Community Action Meeting (CAM), held at St Barnabas CE Primary School, last Wednesday, brought together police and residents to discuss the needs of the community.

It was decided that, over the next six weeks, police should focus their efforts on anti-social behaviour, following a vote from residents.

Inspector Brian Heywood said: "It was the best choice because anti-social behaviour encompasses everything."

Last month a group of volunteers joined a Community Action Team (CAT) walk around Whitecross, identifying areas of criminal damage, vandalism and graffiti.

The walk was followed by a survey, which more than 160 people responded to.

The results were discussed and anti-social behaviour came out as the main concern and police were advised about certain hot spots.

Inspector Heywood added: "It's about looking after the community's needs. We need them to be on board because they are going to help solve their own problems."

Ged Kelly, chairman of the Whitecross Residents' Association, said: "I think it's going to be very productive for the area and a lot of things came out in the meeting."

CAT officer Tony Davidson and Community Support Officer Kath Harkin will now try and tackle the problems raised, with support from other CAT officers and the response team.

The Whitecross CAM was the first of its kind and it is hoped that the idea can be rolled out across the town when Cheshire Police's new neighbourhood policing strategy is fully implemented next year.

It is planned that the CAMs, which also involve Trading Standards, Warrington Borough Council and housing officers, will take place every six weeks.