Angelique Foster, Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner, is investing fresh funding worth £100k into community projects to protect people from Anti-Social Behaviour.
The Commissioner has launched a new round of her Anti-Social Behaviour Prevention Scheme and is inviting community groups, parish councils and voluntary organisations to bid for grants as part of her zero-tolerance approach to ASB.
The scheme has been a resounding success since launching shortly after the Commissioner's election in 2021, helping to reduce ASB in key public spaces, increase feelings of safety and confidence among residents and successfully divert vulnerable young people from nuisance or risky behaviour.
As the fourth round of the grant initiative opens, the Commissioner is looking to build on the progress, committing further resources to the provision of sports activities, youth diversionary projects, CCTV upgrades and security measures to strengthen community resilience. Applications relating to activities planned for the October half term will be prioritised.
The announcement comes after the Commissioner launched her Derbyshire Action Against Anti-Social Behaviour Plan, setting out a hardline approach to ASB across Derbyshire and Derby City.
This plan will see the roll out of a ‘hotspot' policing patrol scheme in the worst affected areas and a new visible justice initiative, launched last month after the Commissioner secured £4.4m from the Home Office. The funding was granted after the force was chosen as one of only four police areas to take part in both pilot schemes.
Angelique Foster, Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "We have made some significant improvements already on how we tackle ASB and I am pleased with the achievements so far. I know our communities have played a significant part in this success and I am determined for this to continue.
"With fresh investment from my Anti-Social Behaviour Prevention Grant Scheme and the launch of Derbyshire Action Against Anti-Social Behaviour initiative, the county is at the centre of unprecedented action to crackdown on anti-social behaviour.
"What we are already doing is working. The latest Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) covering the 12 months up to the end of March 2023 shows ASB incidents are down by a further -15 per cent. Young people are receiving help to learn new skills and address the problems that can lead to criminal behaviour. This must continue.
"Any organisation that can support my plans for the county and contribute positive solutions should apply for this funding and help make a difference."
Commissioner Angelique Foster made Neighbourhood Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour a key priority in her Police and Crime Plan, pledging to deliver sustainable solutions to local issues and resource community initiatives that aim to cut crime.
Grants of up to £5,000 are available for organisations which can successfully evidence their plans to increase the safety of local people and divert young people away from crime in support of the robust enforcement work she expects the force to deliver.
The deadline for grant submissions is Friday 15th September 2023. To find out more or apply for a grant, please visit this link.