Crime and Disorder Prevention
Torfaen County Borough Council is working in partnership with the police, the Local Health Board and Fire Authority, to prevent crime and disorder and tackle Substance Misuse in the County Borough of Torfaen. This will be done with particular reference to anti-social behaviour and matters which harm the quality of life of the residents.
The Local Authority has worked closely with members of the partnership and local Councillors in addressing disorder issues. For example, the Local Authority has developed Safer Neighbourhood Groups and Action Teams which enables them to target their resources in the most effective way. These groups target offenders identify issues and provided solutions.
Many other organisations and individuals often have key roles in the initiatives we undertake. However, the Statutory Partnership has a duty and a responsibility to take the lead in tackling crime, disorder and improving the quality of life for the communities of Torfaen.
The Crime and Disorder Act, 1998 gave local authorities and the police as Responsible Authorities the duty to do whatever they reasonably can to prevent crime and disorder. They do this by:
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Addressing the factors that lead people into crime (e.g. exclusion, lack of skills, money, substance misuse)
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Providing diversionary activities for would-be young offender
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Removing opportunities (e.g. fencing, removing targets, locking up)
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Better building design, better lighting and roads/footways
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Enforcing law and order and standards of service
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Safeguarding the environment
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Managing offenders in a way that discourages re-offending