CRIME AND DISORDER STRATEGY
2005 - 2008

Crime & Disorder

• Vale Royal is a safe place in which to live and work.
• Despite the new procedures the overall trend for crime is down, especially as regards burglaries and vehicle related crimes.
• There have been increases in theft (shoplifting), criminal damage and violent crime. These three crime categories are perhaps suitable for targeting in the future.
• Northwich Witton Ward is constantly showing high rates of all forms of crime and disorder and is certainly worthy of future attention.
• Both Winsford Wharton and Winsford Over are two wards which also display high rates of crime and disorder and are areas that might be subject to some future attention.
• Youth nuisance continues to be a significant problem affecting many people.
• Drug offences are declining though there are a few prolific offenders with substance misuse problems which continue to be in need of addressing.
• Alcohol is believed to be a significant cause of much offending behaviour - especially violence and anti-social behaviour. The direct link is unclear and mechanisms to monitor the linkage and address the problem are required.
• Nuisance fires, often associated with anti-social behaviour account for an average of 83% of fire calls and are a particular problem for the Fire Service.
• Vehicle arson continues to be a problem, especially in the Wharton and Over areas of Winsford.

Victims & Offenders

• Males are slightly more prone to be victims of crime than females.
• People aged over 45 are less prone to be victims of crime.
• Repeat victimisation is a particular problem in Vale Royal with a level well above the national trend. T
• hose vulnerable to suffer violent crime are more likely to be repeat victims.
• The level of repeat victimisation for burglary in the home is 22%.
• On average 50% of all offenders are under 25 years of age.
• About 83% of offenders for whom addresses are available live in the Vale Royal area.
• There is a clear correlation between areas of deprivation and offending. 25% of offenders in Vale Royal are from the East Northwich areas, 25% from the Winsford wards and a further 15% from the Castle, Winnington and Barnton areas of Northwich.
• The main categories of offences committed by young people (under 17yrs) are theft, violence and criminal damage.
• The level of violence committed by young people, though low, is a cause for concern and needs to be addressed.
• Whilst it is often assumed that young people are responsible for a significant level of crime and disorder this is not always the case. Where there are significant numbers of young people - crime and disorder is not necessarily higher.