A joint initiative to tackle serious and organised crime in Langley is picking up pace.
Safer Langley launched in November last year, and it involves Thames Valley Police, Slough Borough Council, Crimestoppers, Langley College and other local Langley groups.
The aim is to work together, share information, and help to tackle some of the serious issues and deter young people from getting involved in criminal and anti-social activities.
On 22 January there was an initial meeting to discuss setting up a Neighbourhood Action Group in Langley. Around 30 people attended, and discussions are ongoing about the best way forward.
Residents can always report issues at any time through police and council reporting systems, police have your say meetings and to local ward councillors.
Since Safer Langley launched, Thames Valley Police have had multiple successes, including catching a group involved in anti-social behaviour with catapults and disrupting their activities by seizing a huge stash of homemade catapults, giving community protection warning letters to six individuals, conducting plain clothes operations to target drug dealing, and visiting addresses where vulnerable residents are being cuckooed.
The council has been out targeting those committing anti-social behaviour and there has been a closure order issued on a council property. The adult learning team is working on a skills mapping project to see where the gaps are, and they are working with Foxborough School on running employability sessions for parents.
A Monday night drop-in session in Langley for youths has been a success so far, offering them somewhere to go in the evening and there have been workshops at local schools to discuss where pupils feel safe or don't feel safe.
Thames Valley Police Chief Superintendent, Steve Raffield, said: “The concerted efforts of partners across the Langley area in recent months has been great to see. We are clear that Safer Langley is a long-term commitment to making a positive change locally, with the support of all partners and our communities to sustain this.
“I encourage everyone to get actively involved in the projects which will be promoted in the following months by partners. The contribution from our communities is what will ensure that the improvements are sustained for the future of the area.”
The council’s community and detached youth work team, along with youth organisation Together as One and South Central Ambulance Service, are planning an event in the February half term for young people where they can have fun, but also learn some basic stab wound first aid and how to use a bleed kit in an emergency. These skills could be essential in saving a life, given that Langley has sadly lost two young men due to knife crime in recent years.
Crimestoppers is a key part of the initiative as they take anonymous crime reports. Later this month (Feb), they will be launching a campaign around reporting issues in Langley. You can call Crimestoppers 24/7 to make a report on 0800 555 111.
An organisation which is part of Crimestoppers, known as Fearless, will be hosting an online session for professionals working with young people. The topic is: 'What is Fearless? Snitching and the Bystander Approach'. It will be on 6 March at 10am. Book a place online.
Councillor Ishrat Shah, lead member for equalities, public health and public protection, said: “Not everyone may have heard of Safer Langley yet, but we want that to change. We need residents in Langley to all come together, to report criminal issues that are blighting the neighbourhood, and to volunteer to be part of the solution. They could join the Neighbourhood Action Group once it is fully established, or Neighbourhood Watch, or just keep an eye out for concerns and report them.
“All partners and the community can play their part and help to make Langley a safer place to live and work. Get in touch with one of the groups involved if you want to find out more.”
Residents can report issues in various ways and raise their concerns with their ward councillors.
- Have Your Say police drop-ins – keep an eye on the TVP Slough Facebook page for updates. The next dates in Langley are 7 February and 7 March, at Langley Library, from 12noon-1.30pm.
- Report It via SBC
- Crimestoppers – 0800 555 111
- Thames Valley Police – Report
- Councillor surgeries – find your local councillor.
For updates on Safer Langley, visit www.slough.gov.uk/saferlangley