Latest news with #community safety
CBS News
6 days ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Baltimore leaders tout decline in crime at National Night Out as some residents still feel unsafe
During a National Night Out event in Baltimore on Tuesday, city leaders touted a decline in crime statistics. However, some neighborhoods are still feeling unsafe after recent incidents. Each year, National Night Out celebrates community and law enforcement partnerships nationwide. Baltimore City hosted National Night Out events at several locations, including on Arbutus Avenue in Park Heights at the Langston Hughes Community Resource Center. Some neighbors in Park Heights are asking the city for more recreational centers and activities for young people. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott doubled down on the city's violence reduction plan, saying it works and that the city will keep using it to drive down crime. "While much has changed, it still hasn't changed far enough," Mayor Scott said. "Baltimore has 84 homicides, which is one too many for me, but it's still the lowest number we've had at this point of the year on record." The Group Violence Reduction Strategy, the city's main law enforcement plan to curb crime and increase community partnerships, was recently added to Baltimore's Southern District. This is the fifth of nine police districts to participate in the program, which the city points to as the main force decreasing crime. Mayor Scott says communities also need to be involved to build safety. "When people have that deep involvement, when people have that understanding that they are too a part of it, a part of something greater than themselves, then that's when you feel it," Scott said. "Perception often travels behind reality, and we now know that we are hitting this stride." Some Baltimore residents say the statistics are not enough to convince them the city is safer. Mark Cannon, who works with We Are Us, a community engagement group, says he still sees young people getting involved in crime at an early age. "Statistics is statistics, but we're real life," Cannon said. "You got to have resources, and you got to have consequences." Others say there needs to be more outreach to young people. "Because there's so much violence out here, so much negativity going on out here" Baltimore resident Quionna Silver said. "The games they play are violent, so I think they need more positive people, positive games, and more positive activities." Two Baltimore neighborhoods have been a hot spot for crime. Just over a week ago, a 39-year-old woman was shot and injured in Federal Hill. In July, a pastor was carjacked in Upper Fells Point by a group of teens, and a mother was carjacked in Federal Hill with her child in the car, after a teen allegedly pulled a knife on her. Last month, more than 60 vehicles and a few businesses were vandalized during a weekend in Federal Hil.
BBC News
6 days ago
- Politics
- BBC News
County Durham anti-social behaviour orders extended
Measures to tackle anti-social behaviour across a county have been extended for a further three County Council said four public space protection orders (PSPOs) would be in place until July 2028 following public support for the includes a ban on drinking alcohol in public spaces in Durham city centre and the control of begging, urinating and the use of intoxicating Tim McGuinness said feedback from a consultation "highlighted how much of a difference these orders have already made in helping to improve the quality of life for our communities". The third PSPO was designed to tackle issues caused by irresponsible dog ownership in the council area and the fourth to tackle anti-social behaviour in the High Force area of McGuinness said PSPOs were a "very effective tool"."Although County Durham is a welcoming, friendly and safe place to live, work and visit, it is important that we do all we can to ensure it remains that way," he said. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
BBC News
23-07-2025
- BBC News
Wiltshire PCC vows to tackle 'grim' town's anti-social behaviour
Parts of a town centre have been described as "grim" by the local police and crime commissioner who has vowed to tackle anti-social residents, businesses and councillors put their crime concerns to PCC Philip Wilkinson during a specially arranged event in Trowbridge on owner Michelle Witter said it was about time issues in the town were being addressed, adding: "In the last seven months (it) has been really, really bad."Mr Wilkinson said: "We've walked through spaces today which are grim. The first thing we need to do here is put in place a PSPO (Public Spaces Protection Order)." He said this would need to be led by the council, but added Wiltshire Police would "provide all the support" to address anti-social behaviour in those areas. The comments followed a walkabout that started in Fore Street and made its way through the Shires shopping centre and Trowbridge event was part of a wider programme of engagement aimed at tackling community safety Witter said there have been "multiple incidents" recently, including "fights, people being arrested on a daily basis, smoking weed, drinking and screaming and shouting"."It's quite shocking to know that it is taking place in such a small community," she added. Issues surrounding anti-social behaviour and street drinking were discussed, with specialist drug and alcohol support charities also present at the Ho Tsang, from the town's neighbourhood policing team, said that community support was vital in improving the situation."(Crime) is not just a policing matter, it's a community matter," he said."There are partners out there, which we've got to listen to and work together to develop a long term solution."He acknowledged that in an "ideal world" there would be a larger number of officers regularly patrolling the town, but added that the force "needs to balance our resources with the wider demand".
Daily Mail
25-06-2025
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Active shooter opens fire at Santa Monica Place mall
An active shooter has opened fire at a mall in Santa Monica, California. This is a breaking news story.
ABC News
10-06-2025
- Politics
- ABC News
NT government to allow public use of Oleoresin Capsicum spray for 'personal safety' in 12-month trial
The Northern Territory is set to become the second Australian jurisdiction allowing residents to carry pepper spray, in a government trial aimed at improving personal safety. The NT government has announced it would "consider" a 12-month trial to allow "approved members of the public" to carry and use a low-percentage Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray "for self-defence under strict legal conditions". OC spray is a non-lethal tool that is used to incapacitate people by causing a painful burning sensation and temporary vision impairment. The trial is expected to begin in September, after consultation led by NT Police and involving stakeholders, industry bodies, licensees and the broader community. Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the trial was "about giving Territorians more choice when it comes to personal safety". Western Australia is currently the only Australian state or territory where people can carry the non-lethal spray under strict conditions. "We've seen Western Australia undertake a similar trial, and it's provided valuable insights into how a controlled, lawful model can give people greater peace of mind without compromising public safety," Ms Finocchiaro said. "This is about equipping Territorians with more options, not less control. "It's a practical step that balances personal responsibility with community safety, and we'll be watching the outcomes closely through reporting and evaluation." The government said a "community oversight reference group" would be established to review the trial. The Country Liberal Party government has passed a suite of law and order reforms since coming to power in August, including stricter bail laws and lowering the age of criminal responsibility. The previous NT Labor government passed new laws allowing security guards to carry OC spray.
