Vandalism
The Local authority implements measures aimed at preventing vandalism within the area (CCTV, wardens, improved street lighting etc) and provides advice and information on measures which can be taken by individuals to deter vandals, and how to notify the Council about incidents of vandalism. Where the vandalism has taken place on public property the Council will carry out repairs.
The Council works with its partners in the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP).
The Partnership has developed a Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategy 2005-2008.
What is criminal damage/vandalism?
The Police definition of criminal damage is as follows :
“Criminal damage refers to crimes where any person without lawful excuse intentionally or recklessly destroys or damages any property belonging to another. Activities resulting in non-permanent damage (ie that can be rectified, cleaned off or removed at no cost) such as letting down car tyres, should not be classed as criminal damage, nor should accidental damage”.
Vandalism is similar to criminal damage but only covers crimes against households and household property including cars.
What is the Council doing to reduce the incidence of criminal damage and vandalism?
The Council is a statutory member of the local Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) which includes Northumbria Police, the Fire and Rescue Service, County Council, Health and Probation Services.
The Government asks the CDRP to identify priorities for crime reduction every 3 years.
The CDRP has identified criminal damage as one of its key priorities for the period to 31 st March 2008. This means that the CDRP will be targeting its resources at criminal damage as part of its drive to reduce antisocial behaviour across the Borough.
The CDRP is responsible for the town centre CCTV systems in Berwick-upon-Tweed and in Seahouses which are used to help prevent a range of criminal activity including criminal damage. Plans are also being made to introduce CCTV in Wooler. The CDRP also has a mobile CCTV camera which can be deployed at specific ‘hotspot’ locations where there have been frequent incidents of criminal damage or vandalism.