A trouble spot for anti-social behaviour in Cambridge’s Arbury ward – troubled by drug use, aggression, and theft – has been one of the areas getting attention after extra funding was given to local Community Safety Partnerships.
There were reports of groups gathering in shared spaces around the ward, like near bins and garages, to take drugs. This led to needles and other drug-related items being left on the ground. Plus, there were several instances each week where people were found urinating and defecating in the area.
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough police and crime commissioner Darryl Preston
Local shops faced thefts too, while rough sleepers were spotted nearby. Both residents and shopkeepers said they’d been verbally abused or intimidated with threats of violence.
The Community Safety Partnership (CSP) flagged this spot as a problem area – one of six countywide that received £730,000 in extra funds from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough police and crime commissioner Darryl Preston.
The money aims to introduce various crime prevention tactics addressing what matters most to locals – including tackling anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping, and road safety concerns.
CSPs are made up of local councils, police forces, fire services, community reps, among others. They also focus on steering young people away from trouble before it starts and stopping minor issues from turning into serious crimes.
Part of the cash has paid for ‘problem-solving co-ordinators’ over three years who work closely with communities and agencies to fix problems – all while helping the PCC reach goals set out in the Police and Crime Plan.
CSPs can apply for grants up to £5,000 for specific projects that help reduce anti-social behaviour, improve road safety, fight bike thefts or prevent fly-tipping.
In Arbury specifically, the CSP knew they needed a team effort. So they set up monthly meetings where different agencies come together to focus on this hotspot.
The partners say building stronger connections helped make sure actions got picked up by responsible groups-like the city council’s anti-social behaviour team or the police force itself.
This teamwork quickly led to a “significant decrease” in people misusing the area plus renewed confidence from both shop owners and locals living nearby.
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough police and crime commissioner Darryl Preston
A movable CCTV camera was put up for three months-and residents have noticed drops in anti-social activity along with less crime overall
The PCC said: “The success of this project speaks for itself and is just a snapshot of the positive work under way by our CSPs to respond effectively to the localised and persistent problems that cause real concern for residents.
“The police cannot tackle these issues alone, and this investment recognises that partnership working is crucial to delivering a meaningful impact on public safety. When communities stand united against crime and ASB, the solutions are much easier to identify and implement and deliver maximum value.
“I am grateful to all our CSPs and wider community partners for embracing this opportunity and working harder than ever to protect local people and respond swiftly to the issues that cause them harm. Crime prevention is a key pillar in my Police and Crime Plan.
“The challenge now is to keep up the good work and build on the foundations of this positive start to achieve our longer-term ambitions.”
Cllr Alice Gilderdale, executive councillor for community wealth building & community safety at Cambridge City Council said: “We’re grateful for funding from the Police & Crime Commissioner which enables us to build on our work with local partners & community members alike aiming at improving safety around here. The funding helps provide a dedicated problem-solving co-ordinator who’s been fantastic at bringing folks together within their neighbourhoods identifying issues & delivering place-based fixes.”
“This year our problem-solving co-ordinator’s efforts included everything from running campaigns about anti-social behaviour-in libraries; buses; public spots-to helping local groups & partner agencies apply for PCC funds such as taxi marshalls supporting nightlife visitors downtown; cycle marking kits fighting bike theft; plus CCTV camera setups funded too. We’re also thankful that council matches much of this effort financially.”
