Decision Maker: Director for Police, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: No
Operation Student Safe, active from September
to April, has shown promising results, particularly in the
reduction of burglary and violent crimes in the
Fallowfield/Withington area, a region historically plagued by high
student-related crimes.
The creation of the University Engagement Team (UET) has been
instrumental in this process, enabling proactive student engagement
and enhancing overall safety. The UET's objectives include reducing
serious acquisitive crime (SAC) and violent crimes, increasing
student engagement, addressing underreporting, and minimizing
Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). The Team works closely
with university and council partners to address anti-social
behaviour (ASB).
The operation has been particularly successful in and around the
Fallowfield Loop (the designated area for the Safer Streets Bid).
This is often seen as a challenging location due to its concealed
nature and accessibility for offenders. However, the lack of a
dedicated vehicle for the University Engagement Team has posed
challenges, limiting operational efficiency. The provision of a
dedicated vehicle will significantly improve the UET’s
efficiency, allowing for the team to build upon this year's
achievements and further enhance student safety in the
locality.
The funding decision aligns with the Safer Streets Fund Round
Four's focus on reducing neighbourhood crimes and VAWG.
This funding is to be provided through the Home Office Safer
Streets Fund Round 4 fund which has a total budget of
£453,080.
The Deputy Mayor, through the use of the Home
Office Safer Streets Fund, will fund the use of a dedicated vehicle
for GMP's University Engagement Team and Operation Student
Safe.
The value of this is £5,504.20
The Home Office Safer Streets Fund 22/23 has a total budget of
£453,080 and a grant agreement exists between the GMCA and
the Home Office.
Publication date: 09/05/2024
Date of decision: 20/03/2024