Robberies fall but anti social behaviour still a problem in Meriden Park

CRACKDOWN: Efforts are being made to tackle crime in Meriden Park,
Chelmsley Wood, but anti social behaviour remains an issue.

CRIME has been cut by more than a third in a Chelmsley Wood street which had become notorious for the sheer number of offences reported.

In 2013, Moorend Avenue had the dubious distinction of  having the second highest number of incidents anywhere in Solihull – with around 80 crimes recorded. Although more than half the offences actually happened in Meriden Park; the main entrance to which is off this road.

Solihull Council said that significant work had been carried out to make the area safer, with CCTV installed and paths being better lit.

The new measures have had a considerable effect on the crime rate, the number of offences recorded fell to 51 in 2014 and there has been a marked drop in the number of robberies.

18 muggings happened in 2013, but the number fell to four the following year.

A council spokesman said: “Whilst anti-social behaviour is still an issue within this park it is positive to see the severity of crimes against the person incidents has greatly reduced.”

The success was highlighted in a report prepared for the council’s crime and disorder panel earlier this month.

DAMAGE: The charred remains of a
tree house in Meriden Park

Members were told that it was important to respond to community safety issues, as this helped build public confidence and reduced fears of crime.

As the Moorend Avenue study suggests, there is, however, still some work to do in tackling crimes such as vandalism. Last year, for instance, the Adventure Playground was repeatedly targeted by arsonists.

Almost a quarter of people recently surveyed in North Solihull are concerned that the authorities aren’t doing enough to tackle anti social behaviour. In total, 23 per cent were dissatisfied with the response, up from 15 per cent in 2013.

Update: Following publication of this article, the Meriden Adventure Playground requested the opportunity to comment.

Simon Rix, senior playworker, said: “While there was an issue with fire raising last autumn, it is believed that this was perpetrated by people from outside the area, who do not have a facility like the Adventure Playground of their own.
“The problem has not resurfaced since and it was mitigated by local people organising a midnight sponsored walk around the park, which raised over £300 towards repairs and rebuilding.
“This showed a worthy community spirit and alongside the playground being voted for by the community for an Asda Green Token grant, illustrates the support that the playground has amongst ordinary people in Chelmsley Wood.”