Community Safety Projects

Antrim Borough Community Safety Partnership Projects

Antrim Borough Community Safety Partnership is a lead partner in a range of projects aimed at reducing crime the fear of crime and antisocial behaviour.  The partnership is currently delivering the 2009-2011 action plan and which is focused on a reduction in antisocial behaviour and violent crime.  The projects currently running include:

Antisocial Behaviour

Youth Outreach Provision & Youth Diversionary activities
This project utilises the expertise of a youth outreach team to deliver an effective outreach programme, engaging young people in workshops and diversionary activities to reduce antisocial behaviour and the fear of crime in specific antisocial behaviour hotspots.  The project encourages young people to consider the causes and consequences of crime, moral behaviour, team behaviour and, through mentoring, instils discipline and values.

Off Licence Code of Practice
Underage Drinking is a serious problem within society, not only in respect of young peoples’ health issues but also the impact on anti social behaviour and low level neighbourhood disorder.  To assist in tackling this issue Antrim Borough Community Safety Partnership, in conjunction with Antrim PSNI and the Department of Justice developed an off licence code of practice to reduce the sale of alcohol to under 18’s.  The Code of Practice raises awareness of the issue of underage drinking and highlights the implications for any adult who supplies under 18’s with alcohol.  The Off Licence Code of Practice is voluntary and  there is no obligation for licensees to sign up.  They are however encouraged as it is another way to continue the examples of best practice shown in off licences throughout the borough in reducing the sale of alcohol to those who are underage.

Community Safety Wardens
In partnership with Antrim Borough Community Safety Partnership, Antrim Borough Council and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive; Community Safety Wardens have been deployed throughout Antrim borough from the 1st July 2010.   The Community Safety Wardens carry out high visibility foot patrols in the evenings within urban areas to tackle antisocial behaviour, reduce the fear of crime and working with community and voluntary groups to respond to specific issues.  The Community Safety Wardens also provide advice an reassurance to communities and encourage young people to engage in positive activities.

The Community Safety Warden Scheme is a pilot scheme and wardens will be on patrol throughout Antrim Borough until March 2011.

Equipment - In support of the antisocial behaviour forum
Antrim Borough Council has developed an Antisocial Behaviour Forum which proactively tackles antisocial behaviour throughout Antrim Borough.  Given that reducing antisocial behaviour is a key theme of Antrim Borough Community Safety Partnership, there was a strong will to support the work carried out in the Forum.  One of the ways that Antrim Borough Community Safety Partnership have supported the work of the Anti Social Behaviour Forum is in purchasing overt and covert cameras together with noise monitoring equipment to be used in detecting and tackling incidents of anti social behaviour, thus reducing criminal damage and fear of crime

Bee Safe
Bee safe attracts primary school pupils from across the borough who are preparing to move to secondary education.  The annual Bee Safe event normally takes place in April and is a multi agency approach to promoting safety, developing community awareness and preparing pupils for the transition to secondary education.  The project is supported by Antrim Borough Council, Antrim PSNI, NI Fire & Rescue Service, Translink, PSNI Road Safety and Northern Ireland Electricity.  Reactions from the participants and teachers have indicated that the programme is an excellent and informative experience.

Where is Your Child Tonight
‘Where is Your Child Tonight’ was implemented by Antrim Borough Community Safety Partnership as a high profile public awareness campaign to tackle the issue of underage drinking, drugs and solvent abuse and criminal damage.  The project promotional materials convey a strong message to parents, encouraging them to consider if they are confident of their children’s whereabouts, the activities they are involved in and the possible consequences.  The aim of the project is to increase parental responsibility thus reducing anti social behaviour, violent crime and fear of crime in local communities.

Publicity/Awareness Raising
Antrim Borough Community Safety Partnership believe that raising awareness of issues can help to improve social responsibility and reduce the negative impacts of any problems that may exist. 

Silent Guardian - ‘Silent Guardian’ was launched in conjunction with Antrim PSNI in September 2009 and is aimed at a tackling Drug Dealers within Antrim Borough.  An informative leaflet is de livered at the premises of suspected drug dealers and every property that has a view  of the premises.  The leaflet contains information on how to report  suspected drug dealers confidentially, the information required by the police to take action against drug dealers and calls on local communities to  take some responsibility for addressing crime in their area.

Community Awareness Evening on Legal Highs - In response to community concerns regarding ‘legal highs’ an information event was held in Antrim Courthouse on 29 June 2010.  The event was hosted by Antrim Borough Community Safety Partnership and included a panel of experts on ‘legal highs’ and drug abuse who provided information to the public and answered any concerns that were raised on the evening.

Summer Splash
Antisocial behaviour is an issue within Antrim Borough throughout the year, however there is a noticeable increase in incidents at particular times of the year.  Antrim Borough Community Safety Partnership implement the Summer Splash scheme to reduce antisocial behaviour during the summer months by providing diversionary activities for young people which offers opportunities to learn new skills, meet new friends and undertake activities that benefit themselves and their communities.

Summer 2010 saw the beginning of an exciting new summer scheme in Antrim Borough called the BEAT Programme (Be Educated, Be Active, Be Together).  The scheme was a culmination of funding from Summer Splash, Antrim Borough Council Good Relations, Antrim Borough Council Community Services and NEELB Youth Intervention funding.  The scheme was aimed at diverting young people away from Anti Social Behaviour and engaging them in a strategic programme based on learning and activities.  The programme was focused on the areas of most need and took place in the late afternoon and evenings.

Violent Crime

Drugs, Substance and Alcohol Abuse Counselling Project
Antrim Borough Community Safety Partnership have developed a drug, substance and alcohol counselling support initiative which aims to provide a professional holistic counselling support service to children, young people and adults.  The project is led by Antrim Youth Information and Counselling Centre and accepts referrals from community and voluntary groups as well as statutory organisations and self referrals from individuals.  By supporting this project Antrim Borough Community Safety Partnership aims to provide a long term solution to addressing the issue of drug, substance and alcohol misuse and reduce the incidents of antisocial behaviour and violent crime that are attributed to this misuse. 

4 Tier Security Scheme
This is Antrim Borough Community Safety Partnership’s longest running project.  It has been in operation since 2000 and is a multi agency approach providing assistance for victims of crime and reducing the fear of crime within the Borough of Antrim.  It is a confidential service that is provided free of charge and is available to all members of the community who have been a victim of crime or are considered at risk.  The scheme is not means tested, however may be subject to a security assessment to determine the level of risk.  The scheme aims to minimise the likelihood of repeat offending, reducing further similar crimes and reducing fear of crime through provision of four levels of security products for residents.

Domestic Violence Education and Awareness Raising Project
Antrim Borough Community Safety Partnership introduced this project as a mechanism to address the issue of domestic violence.  This project operates through schools, youth groups and community groups to maximise contact opportunities with vulnerable young people to promote healthy relationships and deliver an anti bullying campaign which it is anticipated will contribute to future reduction in violent crime.

Additional Projects

Elder Abuse
Antrim Borough Community Safety Partnership has worked with other relevant partners and the Department of Justice in developing and distributing information leaflets which educate and inform people about elder abuse.  The leaflets provide advice on seeking help in such situations and supplies useful contact numbers for free and confidential support.

Neighbourhood Watch
Antrim Borough Community Safety Partnership work in conjunction with Antrim District Policing Partnership and Antrim PSNI to develop and deliver the Neighbourhood Watch programme within Antrim Borough.  Neighbourhood Watch offers the opportunity to liaise closely with neighbours, local police and other relevant agencies.  The aim of Neighbourhood Watch is to bring people together and assist them in taking responsibility for reducing crime, the fear of crime and anti social behaviour in their community.

Message in a Bottle
Message in a bottle has proved a very successful project, which provides reassurance to vulnerable people should an emergency arise in their home.  The bottle contains medical information and is placed in the individuals fridge, a sticker is attached to the door to alert acute services that the individual is part of the scheme.  This means that the individuals medical information can be easily accessed in an emergency situation.

Fireworks Awareness Campaign
Antrim Borough Community Safety Partnership has supported the annual regional campaign providing information on fireworks advice and awareness raising.  By assisting in the distribution of leaflets and promoting safe use of fireworks the Partnership reinforced the message from the NIF&RS, the PSNI and central government that local communities can enjoy firework displays, however the purchase, possession or use of fireworks without a licence is an offence.

Vehicle and Road Safety Awareness Projects
Antrim Borough Community Safety Partnership support projects that raise awareness of the importance of vehicle and road safety.  The Partnership developed an informational and educational leaflet on the dangers and legislation surrounding the use of quads, mini motos and quads.  Antrim Borough Community Safety Partnership in conjunction with Antrim District Policing Partnership and the PSNI have developed Scoobfest which is a day for young drivers to show cars and as part of this learn about a range of issues such as road safety, legal vehicle modifications etc.