Cracking crime this Christmas

The Swindon Initiative, which is made up of councillors, retail managers and captains of industry, is determined to make the area a safer and more attractive place for people to work and shop over the festive period.

It has set up a number of meetings between the groups to show them that by working together and pooling resources they can prevent many crimes.

Security staff have access to an updated radio system which has links to retailers and car parking staff and to upgraded CCTV and video surveillance systems which can track criminals coming in and out of Swindon.

Swindon Police have also assigned an extra six officers to the area to work with shopping centres, car park staff and transport operators to prevent crime.

"The key is to make sure that everyone involved with preventing crime in the town centre has the benefit of greater co-ordination and communication," said Richard Sharpe, Swindon's town centre consultant, who is the chief executive of the Swindon Initiative.

"With this emphasis on partnership, we can make sure the resources we have work effectively and improve our performance in identifying and stopping opportunities for crime."

The Initiative was formed a few weeks ago to work with the public and private sectors to revitalise the town and help it become more prosperous and welcoming.

Part of its remit is to help push ahead the 30 Year Vision announced last month, whose aim is also to create a more modern and attractive town for people to live, shop and work in.

The Initiative will launch its first business plan in the New Year; until then its first task has been to clamp down on Christmas crime.

Swindon Police believe the partnerships will help them in their fight against crime.

"We have an excellent communication system so that appropriate action can be taken," said Sgt Mark Hurry.

"As we now have the six extra officers we have the resources to maintain and improve on the good work that is already going on."