The Pioneer Group is delivering the Safer Streets campaign in Stockland Green on behalf of Birmingham City Council and recently launched a range of initiatives including community tasking events and the distribution of free crime prevention kits.

Community meetings

The regular community events are an opportunity for local residents to discuss and bring any issues, concerns and questions to the attention of the community tasking committee, which is responsible for delivery of the Safer Streets campaign.

The events kicked off on 5 October. On offer every month are:

• Informal community chats at Highcroft Community Centre where residents are welcome to drop in during the session to chat over tea and biscuits.
• Walkabouts that usually take place on a Saturday and start from a different place each time. These allow residents to show the tasking team specific problems in the area.
• Community tasking sessions 5pm-7pm at Highcroft Community Centre where residents can discuss community interventions and actions to resolve issues identified in previous sessions.

Upcoming safer streets meetings include:

• Walkabout
  Saturday 13th November, meeting at 10am
  All Saints Church, George Road
• Community Tasking
  Wednesday 24th November, 5-7pm
  Highcroft Community Centre, Slade Road

Ned Crosher-Markwell, Stockland Green Community Partnership Manager for The Pioneer Group, said:

We’ve had a great response from local residents at the community tasking meetings so far. The tasking team is here to listen and help so please come along if you have any ideas on making Stockland Green’s streets safer.

For further information on safer streets community meetings, please contact saferstreets@pioneergroup.org.uk or follow us Twitter or Facebook.

Free crime prevention kits for 650 local homes

In addition to the resident engagement meetings, 650 households on selected streets in Stockland Green will receive free crime prevention kits over the next six months as part of the safer streets project. The packs include: window and door alarms, personal alarms, and property marking kits.

The security kits will be delivered by West Midlands Police and Fire Services, who will also be offering advice and guidance to securing homes against fire and theft.

The Safer Streets team will also provide and install anti-snap locks free of charge on front doors. According to police reports, fitting anti-snap locks can reduce the likelihood of burglaries by 25%. The anti-snap locks – the single-most effective way to protect homes – will be offered to residents living around the Slade Road area.

Selected streets will receive a letter with information on how to book in the coming months.

To share your views or suggestions on the Safer Streets projects, please contact the tasking team at saferstreets@pioneergroup.org.uk on Twitter or Facebook or in person at the tasking hub.