Operation Equinox Receives National Recognition
Monday, 12 October, 2009
Redcar and Cleveland Anti-social Behaviour Group have gained national recognition for their approach to tackling anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.
Their 'Operation Equinox' which was set up to address a rise in anti-social behaviour and criminal damage during the Equinox period and uses a combination of diversion, education, enforcement and prevention tactics to tackle anti-social behaviour was chosen as the 2009 regional winner for the North East.
The application was submitted by PC Wendy Coulthard and PC Sam Rae as a partnership operation under the banner of Redcar and Cleveland Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership
They were one of twelve national finalists entered into the Tilley Awards competition which took place in the Reebok Stadium in Bolton during the UK Problem Oriented Partnership Conference on 5th and 6th October.
The national finalists comprised an entry from each of the nine Government Office regions, with Avon and Somerset clinching the overall title with their Fragment Operation to combat metal theft.
Chief Inspector Chris Sadler who is Chair of the Anti-social Behaviour Group said on receiving the award: "I am very proud to be receiving this prestigious award, it is a true testament to the team's commitment to reducing anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in Redcar and Cleveland.
"The strength of its success is two-fold. Firstly, it has strong support from all the key stakeholders involved including the Local Authority, Coast and Country Housing, Fire Brigade and Safe in Tees Valley, and secondly, because of the strategy we have developed around the four pillars of Diversion, Education, Enforcement and Prevention. We approach all issues from various angles and the analytical work undertaken by Dawn Watson underpinned the operation, ensuring all aspects were fully covered.
"This is what Neighbourhood Policing is all about - listening to people's concerns and the issues that affect their everyday life and working with local communities and partner agencies to put in place long term sustainable solutions to those problems."
Deputy Chief Constable of Cleveland Police Derek Bonnard said: "I'm absolutely delighted that the team has gained this level of recognition. Operation Equinox is a true example of how a partnership approach can successfully use a range of tactics to reduce criminal damage and anti-social behaviour.
"I am pleased to say that we are once again working with all our partners to run Operation Equinox again this year."
