Epsom and Ewell’s second Community Safety Action Zone (CSAZ) in Ewell Village has reduced crime and disorder in the area.
The CSAZ was launched in Ewell Village and the surrounding area on May 1 last year.
Its main aim was to reduce cases of criminal damage and antisocial behaviour, including graffiti, underage drinking and nuisance behaviour in parks.
Over the past 12 months, projects have included Trickster the musical, which highlights the risks of distraction burglaries to vulnerable people; working with licensed premises to set up a Pub Watch scheme in the village and the distribution of leaflets to raise awareness of the costs and consequences of environmental crimes such as graffiti.
Initiatives introduced in the past year include raising awareness about the dangers of alcohol, the promotion of bike and mobile phone marking, talks about the consequences of crime and antisocial behaviour, a “name that tag” anti-graffiti campaign and police surgeries in schools.
Throughout the year, cases of criminal damage, graffiti and antisocial behaviour reduced and there have also been fewer reported issues of nuisance behaviour in parks.
Epsom and Ewell Borough Council worked with Surrey Police, Surrey County Council, Crimestoppers and the community to tackle problems in the area.
Councillor Jean Smith, chairman of the environment committee, said: “The past year’s CSAZ has been an excellent learning curve for all involved and we are very pleased with the results.
“Work will still continue to go on in Ewell Village to build on the year’s successes although the official CSAZ status has now come to an end.”
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