Putney crime fighting communities receive awards

at the annual Crime Prevention Panel Awards.

This year's event which took place on June 1st at the Wandsworth Town Hall, incorporated the Pub Watch and Business Watch as well as the Neighbourhood Watch awards.

The Putney and Wandsworth Crime Prevention Panel received a total of £2,375, which they will match on a pound for pound basis. The funds will be used for schemes including the provision of A4 laminated cards for school teachers each featuring guidance notes on the Anti Social Behaviour project, as well as purchasing fireproof letterboxes for victims of domestic violence who may be at risk of arson attacks.

The Putney Pub Watch scooped the Pub Watch of the year Award and received £1,500.Crime prevention initiatives introduced by the watch members include:

· the installation of Chelsea Clips to prevent bag theft
· the use of thumb print scheme to prevent credit card fraud
· providing staff with personal attack alarms for their safety and
· 75% of member pubs have also installed CCTV.

Chief Superintendent Martin Jauch (pictured left) presented awards to the Special Constable of the Year to Tony Hussain and the Special Probationer of the Year to Kenneth Stewart.

£1000 is earmarked for the Art versus Graffiti initiative - a unique programme which aims to encourage young people particularly graffiti offenders to take part in art projects and recognising the difference between the menace of graffiti and the pleasures of art.

Cabinet member for regeneration and transport, Cllr Guy Senior attended the special ceremony along with the Deputy Mayor of Wandsworth, Cllr Jim Maddan who presented the awards.

June 22, 2004