Funding boost for Camden Town PCSOs
Date: 30/6/10
Camden Council’s commitment to community safety was today highlighted following its pledge to continue funding 18 additional Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) for Camden Town.Over the first two years of the initiative, jointly funded by Camden Council and Camden police, the PCSOs contributed to a 17 per cent reduction in crime in Camden Town.
By continuing the funding the PCSOs will be a visible uniformed presence in the area helping to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour, making people feel safer in their community.
Since their introduction the PCSOs have carried out a number of acts of good work which have led to arrests and convictions.
* Two PCSOs witnessed a drug deal taking place by a known dealer on CCTV, and alerted police officers in the area. This led to the arrest of both the dealer and the person buying the drugs.
* An off duty PCSO restrained a violent shoplifter, who was trying to assault an off duty police officer. The PCSOs actions meant the public were protected from injury, and the shoplifter was arrested and charged with theft.
* Two PCSOs pulled an unconscious man from Camden Lock, in freezing conditions. They performed life saving CPR on the victim until paramedics arrived.
* PCSOs identified that toilets in a café were being used to sort property stolen by pickpockets. The PCSOs worked with the café owner to identify the suspect, which led to the suspect being arrested and charged with theft.
Councillor Abdul Hai, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Camden Council said:
“During a time of uncertain financial pressures on the public sector it has been crucial to secure the additional council funding required and an agreement with the police so that we see the continuation of this excellent initiative.
“Crime and antisocial behaviour directly impact on the quality of life for residents in our communities and I’m delighted that these additional Police Community Support Officers will be on hand to tackle issues as they arise.”
Camden Police Borough Commander, Chief Superintendent Dominic Clout, said:
"This is very good news both for Camden Town and of course the individual officers themselves. The PCSOs have made a significant impact on the area over the last three years in helping to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour and the only people not pleased with this agreement must be the local drug dealers and other criminals, who unfortunately still frequent Camden Town."
Simon Pitkeathley, Chief Executive, Camden Town Unlimited said:
"We all know that if we take our foot from the throat of the dealers they’ll be back within minutes. What this decision shows is that the new administration understands this. Business needs a safe Camden just as much as residents do and we all share the desire to make Camden Town an area the borough can be proud of and one that can foster the business growth we need to pull us out of recession.
"The business community, the police and the Council have worked extremely well together to tackle many problems in the area and the renewal of the funding for PCSOs is another example of this excellent partnership working.”
Ref Code: PR 1190
Contact:
pressoffice@camden.gov.uk
Page last updated Jun 30, 2010 10:39 AM
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