A Safe & Supportive Community

A Safe and Supportive Community

Fear of crime will be reduced, so that local people feel safe in their homes and in their neighbourhoods... The Safe and Supportive Community theme represents a desire for Tower Hamlets to be a place where everyone can achieve their full potential.

This means a place where crime is rare and tackled effectively, and where communities live in peace together. It also means somewhere where everyone, young and old, has equal access to choices, chances and power. The Partnership recognises that the disadvantages faced by many local residents - in terms of employment, housing and health - increases the risk of them not feeling part of the local community. Local public services need to identify those who are most at risk and support them so that they can fulfil their potential.

Reducing inequality and removing the causes of crime are strongly linked. Local crime has fallen by nearly a quarter over the past four years, with a reduction in all crime types including violence, burglary, motor vehicle crime and robbery. In the past year alone, violent crime has fallen 9% and personal and commercial robberies by 27%. However, crime remains significantly higher than the national average – and a sizeable stumbling block to progress.

It is recognised that the most disadvantaged people are often most at risk of becoming both perpetrators and victims of crime. This knowledge places us in a strong position to focus resources and action over the coming years.

Delivering a Safe and Supportive Community has two key aspects. The first is providing excellent services to everybody - including high-quality housing, schools and healthcare. Such services form part of every theme in this plan. The second involves providing excellent services for our most excluded groups and to those at risk of becoming excluded.

Over time, work on both of these areas will make a powerful impact on both disadvantage and crime. Alongside this long-term approach, we will continue to crack down on crime through effective law enforcement and crime prevention.

Violence – especially domestic violence and hate crimes – will not be tolerated.