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A new report issued by the Home Office commends Bowlee Park Housing, social landlord in Painthorpe, Wakefield, for contributing to a 10% fall in crime in Yorkshire and the Humber.

New initiatives led by Bowlee Park Housing, part of The Riverside Group, are held up as a model, by the annual ‘Crime in England and Wales 2007/08’ report, for other communities working to reduce anti-social behaviour and crime.

The Home Office praises Bowlee Park Housing for their partnership approach to improving tenants’ quality of life. It says that Bowlee Park Housing’s parenting programmes, community action weeks and sporting activities throughout the summer holidays that support the community and encourage responsibility in young people are key factors in the drop in crime. At a recent Painthorpe Tasking Meeting, The Fire Rescue Service reported only five, down from 40, reports of fire incidents within the area for the last two months.

Welcoming the report, Jane Keegan, director of Bowlee Park Housing, said, “The Home Office’s recognition for the impact of our work in the community confirms our staff’s everyday experience.

“People in Painthorpe are working together to achieve considerable changes which have reduced crime.” She added, “We won’t be slowing down the pace and will continue listening to our tenants and delivering services that make a difference to them.”

Police recorded crime figures for the region show that between 2006/07 and 2007/08:
• Violent crime has reduced by 12%
• Burglary has reduced by 7%
• Offences against vehicles have reduced by 18% and
• Robbery has reduced by 11%

Minister for Yorkshire & the Humber, Rosie Winterton, said: “These statistics recognise the excellent team efforts of police and local agencies, working together in local communities to reduce crime, producing some tremendous results. Compared to the 2006/7 figures overall crime reduced by 10%. Challenges remain to drive down crime further and make faster improvements in addressing the issues that matter most to local communities in Yorkshire & the Humber.”

Bowlee Park Housing took over the management of the properties in Painthorpe in 2006 and has built partnerships with Wakefield Council and other local organisations to tackle Painthorpe’s reputation for crime and a high turnover of tenants. Now in 2008, all properties in Painthorpe are fully tenanted and there is a healthy waiting list for the area.