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ABSTRACT
The Tilley Awards for Problem-Oriented Policing 'recognise and reward the most intelligent, courageous and effective approaches to dealing with the problems police encounter on the streets' (Home Office website). They are open to the police and crime and disorder reduction partnerships. Entrants have to submit a description of their project and its achievements. This issue features an edited version of a winner's submission.
Key words
community safety; problem-solving; problem-oriented policing
OVERVIEW OF THE PROBLEM
The Farringdon Park estate (locally known as Dodge City) is situated in the Ribbleton Ward of Preston. According to the Government Indices of Multiple Deprivation 2003, the area is in the top 10% of deprived communities in England. The estate is built on an area that was originally a woodland and recreational park used by the cotton workers of Preston in the mid1800s. The rear of the estate is still backed by woodland, which is known locally as Brockholes Wood. The estate is made up of 210 family dwellings, which are mainly semi-detached with gardens at the front and rear. There are also 60 one-bedroom flats that are the same design as the houses, but with occupants living on the ground and first floors respectively.
The majority of the housing stock is managed by Community Gateway Association (CGA), who took over the management of the properties from Preston City Council at the end of 2005. Following a boundary change in 2002 the area transferred to another ward and in 2005 a new neighbourhood policing team took over.
Scanning identified a disproportionate number of problems for a small residential area, and high levels of crime (particularly burglary and criminal damage):
* escalating reports of antisocial behaviour (ASB)
* gang culture (Farringdon Park Original Gangsters)
* poor environmental appearance and crime attractor
* fly tipping and dog fouling
* overt drug dealing and taking
* poor infrastructures
* unsustainable tenancies and high repair costs
* no diversionary activities
* no community involvement
* underused community centre
* deprived community
* blame culture
* service provider 'hotspot'.
There appeared to be a blame culture from residents who insisted that problems were caused by people who did not live in the area. The partnership requested patience from the community in order to complete...