A successful partnership between Islington Council and the police has been credited for a dramatic fall in crime and anti-social behaviour at the Market Estate, N7.
Fred White Walk,N7 had been considered a "no go" area, synonymous with prostitution, drug selling, car theft and criminal damage. But new lighting, cutting back bushes, parking enforcement and an increased community police presence has had a dramatic effect on crime. Criminal incidents measured between April and July 2006 had fallen by 60 per cent compared to the same period in 2005.
The scheme was developed with Islington Council's highways and parking teams in conjunction with the police's Safer Neighbourhoods Team and Islington Drug and Alcohol Team.
Cllr Marisha Ray, Executive Member for Community Safety Islington Council said: "Here's living proof that crime prevention schemes really do work. The reduction in crime is beyond all expectations and the community is in agreement that the area feels safer - especially at night."
"This scheme shows that listening to the community and improving the environment can lead to a significant reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour."
Cllr Lucy Watt, Executive Member for Environment Islington Council said:
"The Market Estate is now cleaner and safer following targeted improvements to the streetscape at Fred White Walk.
"Unregulated parking was a target for drug addicts stealing cars for drug money and used by prostitutes to meet clients. The recent introduction of parking enforcement has all but stopped those activities.
"The reduction in crime and the environmental improvements mean local residents now take pride in their local area."
A package of measures was put in place to deal with local sex workers, parking and car crime problems. Trees and bushes were trimmed and new lighting installed to improve visibility with the result that residents feel safer at night time. Reducing the number of places where sex workers can operate - and increasing community police patrols - has taken prostitutes off the street rather than displace them to another part of the estate.
Sergeant Franc Francioni of Islington Police said: "Schemes like this go a long way to prove that joined up working can deliver real benefits to the community. The work has made a huge impact on crime and the fear of crime and considerably improved the lives of local residents."
Sharon Job, Head of the Market Estate Tenants and Residents Association, said:"The reduction in crime has been almost immediate - with a visible reduction in the number of sex workers on the steet."
"When I met with the police this week they confirmed that crime had fallen across a wide area - it's much quieter now."
August saw a poster campaign on Market Road reminding kerb crawlers and prostitutes they were being watched. The area will have new CCTV cameras from January 2007.
Islington Council is behind a further four similar schemes at Biggerstaffe Street N4, Bowmans Mews/Hercules Place N7, Wallace Way N19 and Dignum Street (Culpeper Gardens) N1. Each will be evaluated after six months.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Wednesday 13 December 1.00 pm
Fred White Walk
Off Market Road
Market Estate
N7
Cllrs Marisha Ray and Lucy Watt will be inspecting improvements and are available for photos
Ends
Notes for editors:
Crime statistics on the Market Estate:
April-July 2005 - 82 recorded offences
April-July 2006 - 33 recorded offences
Page Last Updated: 29 July 2008