Rid us of rats

OUR key aim in Operation Ratcatcher is to reduce seasonal crime during the autumn and winter months, and to transfer the fear of crime within communities into the fear of being caught among criminals in the York area.

The Evening Press, Safer York Partnership, Crimestoppers and the police in York have joined forces for the campaign, but its success will depend upon the support and involvement of the public.

Ratcatcher gives people the chance to supply information about people involved in crime, especially burglary of people's homes, theft of and from vehicles, and drug dealing.

This campaign encourages people to inform on those who are committing crime in their areas, thereby enabling local police officers to investigate and target those responsible.

Police operations often take place without influence or input from communities who are the victims of crime. They are on the receiving end, or on the sidelines, feeling helpless and vulnerable.

Ratcatcher gives people the chance to direct and shape police actions and tactics from a safe, behind-the-scenes position.

The Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Freephone number is the safe, secure and anonymous route for the public to put local police on the track of the rats.

Because it is used for non-emergency calls, its specially-trained staff can spend time talking in confidence with callers and are totally separate from day-to-day policing and police control rooms.

Officers in turn will assess the information provided, matching reports with existing intelligence to confirm the nature and level of criminality.

New sources of information from the public will often result in fresh lines of inquiry to determine the value and most effective means of 'pest control' we can take.

Safer York Partnership will support Ratcatcher by encouraging the public to take preventative measures which will reduce the opportunity for crime - providing simple, practical advice to keep the "vermin" out.

Whatever your motivation, it is now time to join forces with the Ratcatcher team and help to rid the streets of the modern plague we call crime.

Det Con Hugh Carruthers describes why Crimestoppers is the hotline for Ratcatcher tip-offs

Today I make a personal plea for the community of York to use the opportunity of Operation Ratcatcher to come forward, ring Crimestoppers and pass on information about the criminals who affect our quality of life every day.

Crimestoppers relies on the goodwill and commitment of the local community to deal with, detect and prevent crime in York. We provide an opportunity for the public to anonymously supply information about crimes and criminals - anything from drink driving, through selling bootleg tobacco, to murder - by using the Freephone number 0800 555 111.

All calls are handled by experienced staff who fully understand the problems of crime in York and the benefits and workings of Operation Ratcatcher.

The anonymous information supplied to us will be passed directly to operational police officers in York who will proactively deal with the information by arresting suspects and recovering stolen property and drugs.

The key to Crimestoppers is the principle of anonymity. If people wish to provide their name and address and contact the police, they are encouraged to do so. However, there are many people who wish to remain anonymous for good reasons.

People may fear for their safety or feel threatened by family members, neigh-bours or workmates who may be involved in crime. With Crimestoppers they have an alternative to contacting the police. They can call us without having to give any details that could identify them, and none will be recorded. Their call is free, it will not be taped, operators don't have the 1471 facility and there is no caller display.

If the information given to Crimestoppers results in the arrest and charge of a suspect, the caller may be entitled to receive a cash reward which they can also access anonymously.

However, experience shows that, as a national average, only 4.1 per cent of those eligible for a reward ask for one. In this Crimestoppers region last year more than 400 people were arrested and charged as the result of calls to Crimestoppers.

Operation Ratcatcher is an ideal chance for York people to help make the city safer. Local information means local action.

Jane Mowat, director of Safer York Partnership, spells out how we can all avoid falling victim to the crime 'rats'

Rats are robust, resilient and resistant to change. They will hang around a good feeding area, and are never very far away. They leave physical, emotional and financial havoc in their wake. Being aware of a rat and catching it are only two sides of the triangle. Safer York Partnership makes the triangle complete.

We examine the rats and the victims.

Who does it and why.

Where do they do it, and to whom.

What they do and when.

We are concerned about reducing the "rat" population and protecting people, their homes and possessions, from infestation. We join forces with others to reduce crime, the number of criminals and victims.

It is not an easy task, but it is one to which we are totally committed, and in the next days and weeks we will be sharing with you some of the things that we get up to in our quest.

There are many things you can do to prevent "rats" entering your home, damaging or stealing your property and from hurting you or your family.

York fares well in comparison to other cities of a similar size and type but there is always more to be done.

Burglary, theft and vehicle crime leave victims feeling angry, frustrated, invaded and vulnerable. Go on, ask yourself, "did you make it as tough as possible?" There are an alarming number of crimes committed by invitation.

Too many people leave windows and doors open or unlocked; leave attractive or valuable items easily visible; make the assumption that all will remain intact.

With the darker nights we all need to be cautious and watchful. Safer York Partnership is concerned with catching the offender, but that isn't the end of the story. We want to know:

- What caused the offence?

- Can help be given to the perpetrator to prevent repeat offending?

- What of the feelings and loss of the victim?

- How can we address their concerns and encourage a feeling of genuine safety and security?

There are many initiatives already underway in York, but there is so much more to be done.

There is a mountain to climb. It is a huge task but you can help by playing your part in Operation Ratcatcher.

Updated: 10:13 Tuesday, October 22, 2002