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Community Safety Partnership members

Although crime reduction is associated with the police, other local bodies have an important role to play.

West Oxfordshire District Council is a major player in the Community Safety Partnership. It is a true working partnership - there are some police employees based in our council offices.

Here is what some of the partners, pictured below, have to say:

1 PC Simon Towers, Anti-Social Behaviour Manager
"Partnership work is the cornerstone of my role and I talk daily to other agencies like Youth Offending Teams and Social Services. Joint approaches to problems are often the most successful ones."

Simon's team concentrates on problems involving young people, including drunkenness, disorder and criminal damage.

2 PC Duncan Johnson & 3 Michelle Aston, Neighbourhood Management (Policing)
Neighbourhood policing is based on priorities identified by residents in that area. West Oxfordshire has five neighbourhood police teams who work with local action groups. These include both local residents and representatives of key bodies.

Michelle says "The groups give people the chance to discuss local problems and have a direct say in solving them. Partnership representatives go to their meetings and we report back on action taken."

4 Martin Woodley & 5 Hannah Satchell, Trading Standards Officers, Oxfordshire County Council
"Partnership working lets us share intelligence and run joint operations. The latest operation prevented at least one distraction burglary, dealt with or deterred several doubtful operators and resulted in a jail sentence for fraud."

6 Glen Lee, Enforcement Officer
Glen investigates environmental crime from dog fouling to large - scale fly tipping. His work involves surveillance and evidence gathering required to catch and convict offenders.

7 Chris Wilson, Fire & Rescue Service
Among other things the Fire & Rescue Service carries out home and commercial surveys to assess fire risk and give advice on preventing outbreaks to create safer communities.

8 Emma Andrews, PCSO
"Since starting my job around Corn Street and south Witney I have had some very positive comments. Seeing me about helps people feel safer and my presence alone can be a crime deterrent."

9 Reg Neil, Palace Nightclub
Reg is one of many local licensees signed up to Witney Nightsafe, a charter which aims to reduce alcohol-related violent crime and disorder. "We want to reduce residents' anxieties about having late-night venues in the centre of a market town. First class communication between the police, the Council's licensing team and club and pub owners is vital if we are to succeed."

10 Bill Butcher, Crime Reduction Adviser
Bill offers crime reduction surveys and prevention advice to residents and businesses. He says "Simple steps like closing the gate and ensuring doors and windows are secured may prevent you becoming a victim."

11 Alan Davies, Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator
"I live in Madley Park, Witney. It is a new and evolving community and we want to make sure it is a safe and pleasant one by watching out for each other so crime doesn't rear its ugly head."

12 Debra Newton, Licensing Assistant
Debra deals with licences for taxi and private hire drivers and vehicles, outdoor events, street trading and for anyone holding temporary events.

13 Sharon Groth, Witney Town Council
Witney CCTV is supported by several partners, including the Town Council. It is an extremely successful scheme and has so far helped the police with arresting over 1,000 people.

14 Chris Skae, Youth Officer
Chris works closely with other partnership members and schools in the District to deal with the concerns to young people and reduce youth crime.

Also in the photo are: 15 Cllr Jill Dunsmore, who is the Cabinet Member for Communities, West Oxfordshire District Council and 16 Chief Inspector Dennis Evernden, the Local Police Area Commander for West Oxfordshire.

A domestic violence outreach worker giving free, confidential counselling to victims is also funded by the Partnership.