Latest news with #crimeprevention
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Andrew County earns Blue Shield designation
ANDREW COUNTY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Andrew County Sheriff's Office received the Missouri Blue Shield designation for the community's commitment to improving public safety. The Missouri Blue Shield program recognizes local governments across that state that work to reduce crime, foster law enforcement collaboration and enhance public safety through community partnerships. Gov. Mike Kehoe established the program in January 2025 through Executive Order 25-03. 'The Department of Public Safety is proud to work alongside communities like the Andrew County Sheriff's Office that have shown exceptional dedication to enhancing public safety,' said Mark James, Director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety. 'This program is about fostering collaboration between local law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. Our goal is to support these efforts, providing resources and guidance to help communities build sustainable, long-term solutions for crime reduction and public safety.' Communities that earn the Blue Shield will be reviewed annually to ensure continued commitment to the program's goals. Those with the designation will also get grant funding for law enforcement training and equipment through Gov. Kehoe's recommended state budget for the 2026 fiscal year.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Frustrated Edinburgh bikers team up to tackle criminal gangs rife across the city
A group of frustrated Edinburgh bikers have teamed up to tackle motorbike theft gangs rife across the city. By organising patrols, identifying stash areas and handing over names of those responsible, the collective say they want to help Police Scotland track down and apprehend the thieves. Set up through the Facebook group Edinburgh Stolen Motorbikes, organisers worry not enough is being done to stop the criminals. READ MORE: Edinburgh fans left soaking as heavy downpours hit before Robbie Williams appearance READ MORE: Huge Edinburgh crowds gather as famous actor spotted filming in city centre The volunteers, often victims of bike theft themselves, claim there is a growing frustration with the force for the lack of justice dished out to those stealing bikes in the capital. Ross Munro, who is one of the lead organisers, says Edinburgh risks becoming like other major UK cities - where not only are motorbike thefts rife, but the vehicles are then used to commit further crimes. At a recent meet up in Corstorphine, dozens of bikers gathered, with the bikers arguing they have no option but to try to tackle the problem legally themselves. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. 'There are two types of theft going on right now,' Ross said. 'The first is your typical ned who will steal it, run around on it and then dump or burn it once they are done. 'The second is your higher end, more organised crime. The bikes are stolen, trackers removed and the bikes are not seen again. 'Looking at the bigger picture this is not just folk from Wester Hailes or Muirhouse. There is more to it. 'It is our aim to raise awareness for the general public and to try to help police with tackling this criminal activity. The reality is these stolen bikes are being used to commit other crimes. 'I grew up in Edinburgh all my life and I've never seen it this bad before. We need to be careful because we are close to becoming London or Birmingham and it can always escalate. 'I take it personally when people get their bike stolen. People phone me crying, they can't get to work or college. 'As for the police, most people get a crime number but the theft is not followed up right away, or at all. When you lose a bike there is all the trauma that goes along with it, like you are being punished twice. 'Not only should these thieves face convictions, they should also be forced to pay for any insurance or replacement costs incurred by the people they stole from. 'We have got some praise from the police but have also been met with an attitude. We are not breaking the law but we are finding the areas the thieves are stashing the bikes and identifying who they are. 'In my opinion Police Scotland are fighting a war with 20 year old tactics. We should have officers out on regular patrols on dirt bikes. 'We also live in a touchy feely society now, we need doors getting knocked and people named who are responsible. We are tired of sitting back and being victims. 'One day they will steal one of the wrong bikes and it'll get really bad if they do not deal with it.' A West Lothian volunteer, who wished to remain anonymous, complained bikers should not be having to go out on patrols wearing stab proof vests in order to get their stolen bikes back. He was the victim of what he believed to be a targeted attack several years ago. While on holiday his home was broken into by thieves who stole competitive dirt bikes worth tens of thousands. Overall the volunteer has had four bikes stolen over the years. 'I just wanted a quiet life but these idiots targeted me,' he said. 'My main reason for joining is ultimately to help retrieve bikes as the police seem overwhelmed. 'I also want to know where these bikes are going and who is making the real money from them. We have been able to identify three or so vans being used to transport stolen motorbikes. 'I also want to educate owners to look after their bikes and take necessary precautions to avoid theft e.g. trackers, alarms , layered security. Bikers spend thousands on accessories for their bikes but then scrimp on the essentials whilst crime is through the roof. 'Something has to change because we should not be going out in stab proof vests to get our bikes back.' Specific numbers relating to motorbike thefts are not readily available through Police Scotland's crime data list. But the issue has gained the attention of opposition MSP's, with both Conservative MSP Sue Webber and Labour MSP Daniel Johnson slamming the SNP administration for their handling of the issue. Lothian Region Scottish Conservative MSP Sue Webber said: 'The SNP's sustained neglect of frontline policing efforts has shamefully left the force unable to investigate every crime. 'It should never have reached the point where those living in the capital feel they have no option but to take matters into their own hands. 'This must act as an urgent wake-up call for SNP ministers who have turned a blind eye to the recruitment and retention crisis within Scotland's police for too long. 'Rather than continually slashing policing budgets the SNP need to give our police the resources to protect our communities and ensure Edinburgh residents are confident they will be supported when reporting criminal activity.' Whereas Edinburgh Southern Scottish Labour MSP Daniel Johnson said 'Motorcycle theft is a significant problem in my community and across Edinburgh. 'Under the SNP, frontline policing is under immense pressure and we can see the consequences of this. 'The SNP must listen to communities and work with the police to make sure this growing problem is addressed and these crimes are not given a free pass.' Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox Comment from BMF here. Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal said: "We are aware of the negative impact and understandable community concerns resulting from motorcycle thefts. "Our locally based Initiative Teams, Response, Community and CID officers, complemented by our Road Policing colleagues, have and will continue to focus on identifying offenders, preventing and deterring incidents and providing community reassurance. "Partnership is key, and our Prevention, Interventions and Partnerships team are working with partners, including the motorcycling community, to raise awareness and share crime prevention and security advice. To allow us to target our activities, we encourage communities to report incidents via 101, and should anyone have information as to the identity of those involved in these thefts, this can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111." Paul Morgan of the British Motorbike Federation claimed motorbike thefts are growing at the same time as police budgets are shrinking across the UK. Paul said: "Thousands of motorcycles, scooters and mopeds are stolen across the UK each year with many being used by organised criminal gangs for wider criminal activity, including theft and county lines drug activity, where illegal drugs are transported across police and local authority boundaries. "There has been a surge in motorcycle thefts over the last decade, particularly in major UK cities, with motorcycles, scooters and mopeds often stolen to order to be used in wider criminal activity, exported overseas via UK ports or broken up as parts for re-sale. And the involvement of stolen motorcycles in wider criminal activity and anti-social behaviour (ASB) has become an increasing concern for the police, local authorities, and communities. "Unfortunately, as organised crime gangs have moved their operations into motorbike theft, the number of police officers across the UK has fallen, with significant reductions in frontline police numbers seen between 2010 and 2018. Additional budget cuts have forced the police to prioritise violent crime over property crime. With fewer officers on the streets and stretched resources, many police forces have simply been unable to dedicate the time and manpower needed to tackle the organised gangs behind motorcycle theft who have been able to operate with relative impunity. "Beyond the pure statistics, there are real people involved in what is a complex issue, often involving well-organised crime gangs and police seeking to counter their criminal activities but operating with insufficient resources, and where the financial and emotional impact of a motorcycle theft on owners can be very serious. Motorcycles are often more than just a mode of transport—they represent a passion, a lifestyle, and a personal investment. Losing a bike to theft can be devastating, not only because of the monetary value and higher insurance premiums that result ,but also because of the personal attachment many riders have to their bikes." The Scottish Government defended Police Scotland and their record in tackling not only motorbike thefts but all crimes. A government spokesperson said: 'Police Scotland have been clear that they continue to investigate all crimes. 'We are investing a record £1.64 billion for policing this year and our continued investment has enabled Police Scotland to take on more recruits in the last financial year than at any time since 2013, with further intakes planned throughout 2025. 'Scotland continues to have more police officers per capita than England and Wales and recorded crime is down 40 per cent since 2006-07.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Ames PD announces Community Camera Program
AMES, Iowa — The newly introduced Community Camera Program could help deter crime and aid police during investigations, according to the Ames Police Department. The Ames Police Department announced the program in a Facebook post on Friday. Members of the community can voluntarily register their security cameras with the Community Camera Program to help officers gather information for investigations. City of Des Moines establishes rideshare pick up zone near Court Ave. 'Neighborhood canvasses take time, and time can be critical when officers are looking for information quickly and are trying to identify critical investigative leads. Often, security camera systems capture valuable information, however it may go unnoticed if the resident or business owner is unaware of the crime. Knowing where to look for valuable video evidence increases the efficiency and effectiveness of our investigations,' the website says. The program allows authorities to know where cameras are located, officers will then contact residents in the area and ask them to share footage. The Ames PD says there will not be live access. The Ames PD says the footage taken from cameras will be for official use only and that all personal information shared with the department will remain confidential. Authorities say the cameras and program may help investigators solve crimes faster and could deter crimes in areas with camera coverage. You can learn more about the program on the City of Ames Community Programs and Crime Prevention website under the Community Camera Program tab. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
3 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
Fort Worth's police chief reflects as he retires
Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes City of Fort Worth After leading the Fort Worth Police Department for four and a half years, Chief Neil Noakes is stepping down, citing a desire to spend more time with family. His departure comes as violent crime in the city continues to decline. Homicides have dropped for three consecutive years, with aggravated assaults and burglaries also down. Noakes credits the success to a flexible crime plan that allowed officers to adapt to real-time trends, along with strong support from city leaders and the community. "I'm happy to say that I'm not leaving because the department is a bad department, or the city is a bad city. There is no better department to work for in the country," Noakes told CBS News Texas. Noakes said the decision to leave was difficult but ultimately driven by family priorities, especially with a second grandchild on the way. Highs and lows Despite the department's progress, Noakes' tenure was not without controversy. In 2023, a high-speed police chase through a residential area ended in the death of an innocent driver. "I'm so sorry it happened," Noakes said. "Any time a life is lost, it's tragic. That shouldn't have happened." Noakes declined to answer questions about the officers' responsibility in the incident, citing advice from city attorneys. Internal records show none of the officers involved in the pursuit faced disciplinary action. Nearly two years after the crash, details of the chase remain undisclosed. Noakes has refused to release the department's full vehicle pursuit policy, despite a directive from the Texas attorney general. "We released most of the policy," he said. "There are some tactics that we use in pursuits that we don't want our criminals to know about. We don't want to broadcast information that could compromise the efforts of these officers, put them in danger, and put citizens in danger because maybe the criminals know our policy so well. And don't think they wouldn't look." The city remains in a legal dispute with the attorney general over the matter. Mental health matters One of Noakes' proudest accomplishments is the department's renewed focus on mental health. "Here's how we dealt with mental health when I started: 'suck it up. There's more calls. Get back out there and do your job,'" Noakes said. "That is not acceptable. That is so tragic that we ever dealt with it that way." Under his leadership, the department launched a wellness unit to support officers and their families. It also introduced the Respond Restore Resolve (R3) initiative, a non-clinical resiliency training program for first responders. "There are things that officers see that no human being should ever have to witness. And the problem is they see it over and over and over again," he said. "What we're doing with R3 is an amazing resiliency training and it's non-clinical in nature, meaning we don't wait until they're broken and then try and fix them." A legacy of service Noakes said he hopes to be remembered as a leader who cared deeply about the department and the community. "I hope they see me as someone who really cared. Not just about city or department, but the people in the city and the people in the department," he said. "Somebody who made mistakes but tried his best. I've always tried to encourage people to be humble, to be servant leaders, and if any of those words are thrown out at some point in the future, I'll be happy with that." Chief Noakes' last day with the Fort Worth Police Department is Saturday.
CBC
7 days ago
- Politics
- CBC
Petty crime unit, more surveillance cameras among Fredericton safety task force's ideas
A Fredericton task force on community safety has made almost 50 recommendations that would improve social services and bolster the police force, all with the goal of reducing crime in the city. The ideas range from installing more surveillance cameras throughout Fredericton to creating 200 "ultra-low-barrier" transitional housing units for homeless people. Some of the 47 recommendations are aimed at the city, and others are aimed at the New Brunswick government. The task force included the Fredericton mayor and police chief as well as provincial officials. "What we've been dealing with is a reactive response to these socioeconomic issues," Chief Gary Forward said after presenting the task force's recommendations to city council on Monday night. "Often, we see people at their worst, and for us to come along and be expected to deal with what took decades of issues to, you know, culminate into something where you see somebody that is homeless or you see somebody that is suffering substance use disorders. "So this is something that we have to look at the root causes of why this is taking place. The police are just one small cog in what is the larger group that is the community safety task force." The city formed the task force last December with a goal of bringing politicians, civil servants and non-profit workers together to brainstorm on how to address a rise in crime. According to the Fredericton Police Force's most recent annual report, the number of reported crimes rose by 40 per cent between 2021 and 2023. Property offences made up 65 per cent of crimes reported in 2023, while crimes against people accounted for 20 per cent. Mayor Kate Rogers said she and councillors have been hearing more and more concerns from residents about an eroding sense of safety. She said this bubbled over last fall, with downtown business owners voicing their concerns more loudly, prompting the formation of the task force. Some of the recommendations The task force included Mike Comeau, the deputy minister of justice and public safety, Social Development Minister Cindy Miles, former Fredericton MP Jenica Atwin, and people from business groups and housing-focused non-profits, They met twice a month. Recommendations in the report presented to council Monday included: Improving lighting on trails, transit stops and streets. Adding surveillance cameras to transit stops. Increasing police and security presence in business districts. Establishing a dedicated policing unit for petty crimes. Creating a mobile outreach unit to respond day or night to the health and mental health needs of vulnerable people. Recommendations directed at the province include: Expanding mental health courts. Increasing mental health and addiction services in correctional centres. Mandating a planned discharge from incarceration into housing or treatment programs. Expanding the availability of detox and rehab beds. Helping to get 200 "ultra-low-barrier" transitional housing units underway for homeless people. Rogers said both the city and the province are now left with coming up with their own plans to implement the recommendations, a process that will be monitored by an oversight committee. "What is most important is that we hold each other accountable to doing this work," Rogers said. "We all gave of our time, and we're all very committed to the work, but to me, the proof is always in the pudding." Rogers said the city's implementation plan is expected to be released within a matter of weeks.
