Gary Cooper puts the new mobile CCTV vehicle through its paces on a visit to Bransholme

Staying safe at Christmas

Steps are being taken to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour – but it's also up to residents to keep themselves safe.

There are a total of 332 CCTV cameras helping to keep the streets of Hull safe.
And now the fight against crime has been taken a step further – with the launch of a new mobile CCTV vehicle which will cover parts of the city which those cameras can't reach.
Its job is to visit known trouble-spots and record footage that can be used as evidence by the police and the courts –whether that's antisocial behaviour, arson, car thefts, fly tipping, criminal damage, violent crime, neighbourhood disputes, or any other type of disorder.
"It's also about deterring crimes from taking place and reducing residents' fear of crime," says Gary Cooper, of the council's Civic One team, which manages Hull's CCTV network.
On just one three-hour shift alone (in which our reporter from Hull in print was a passenger) the vehicle managed to visit Preston Road, Greatfield, Longhill, Saltshouse Road, Bransholme, North Hull, Orchard Park, The Quadrant, Hotham Road, Bricknell Avenue, County Road North, Calvert Lane, North Road, Boothferry Park, Gipsyville, Hessle Road, Woodcock Street, Hawthorn Avenue, the Boulevard, Wellsted Street, and Hull city centre.
And the roving eye on crime, which can read a newspaper at 200 metres, will be patrolling round-the-clock every day of the year.

Street marshals

Hull City Centre is one area in which the mobile CCTV vehicle is being deployed, especially when people are enjoying a night out.
But it's not the only weapon in the fight against crime.
The work of the street marshals (pictured above) is also helping to make Hull city centre safer after dark - where overall crimes have fallen by 33 per cent since 2004.
Easily identifiable in their black and silver high-visibility jackets, the marshals can help people in practical ways, such as pointing them to night buses (which run until 2.30pm on routes to Hessle, Bransholme and Greatfield).
"We are more than happy to assist women who may be worse for wear and on their own and if need be, stay with them until a taxi arrives to ensure their safety," says Donna Pinchbeck.
"We're also there as an independent witness in case the police or the public need us after an incident."

Katy Stevenson, alcohol and violence reduction manager at Hull Citysafe, offers advice to city centre bar staff

Rapid response

Hull was the first place in Britain to have a rapid-response paramedic team stationed in its city centre - specifically to deal with injuries caused after too much drinking.
During busy weekend periods the team can attend to 999 call-outs much quicker than an ambulance - and paramedics can treat casualties at the scene.

Pub safety

For the second year running, the 'Best Bar None' campaign aims to drive up safety standards in pubs, clubs and bars.
Training ensures staff know what to do if they witness abusive and aggressive behaviour in their premises, or, if they catch people drug dealing.
The campaign also sets standards for not serving people who already appear drunk or those who are under-age.
"We've had dozens of premises signing up to the campaign – and all the licensees taking part have been brilliant, really co-operative and professional," says Katy Stevenson, alcohol and violence reduction manager at Hull Citysafe.

It's up to you

While different agencies are working hard to improve safety, there are also measures which you can take to keep safe, especially when out having a good time at Christmas.

• Know your limits and don't drink to dangerous excess.
• Don't leave your drink unattended as it could be spiked
• Keep your wallet, purse and phone with you at all times, and not in a coat or bag hung over a chair, which could be an easy target for thieves.
• Always go to an official taxi rank, and use a Hull City Council-registered taxi. Whenever possible, share a taxi with a friend.
• Be safe walking home. Women should always ensure they have at least one walking companion late at night. Avoid unlit places such as parks and alleyways.
• Remember that if you break the law on a night out, you will either be hit with a fixed penalty notice of £80 or end up in the police cells.

No plate, no way

Hull women are being urged to be vigilant when using taxis and mini-cabs to get home after a night out.
It is feared that drivers in unlicensed vehicles may try to pick up women and use it as an opportunity to rape or rob.
"We are advising women to take extra care getting home, especially if they are travelling alone and have been drinking," says Dave Henderson, Hull City Council's licensing manager.
"They should always pre-book their mini-cabs in advance and never hail them from the street, only black 'Hackney carriages' can legally tout for trade on the street.
"With both kinds of taxi service, passengers should only travel in vehicles that are clearly marked and with drivers who have identification badges."

Information

All of the above anti-crime measures, including the mobile CCTV vehicle, the street marshals, the rapid response team, and the Best Bar None scheme, are provided by Hull Citysafe, a multi-agency partnership including Hull City Council, Humberside Police and other agencies. For more details visit www.hullcc.gov.uk www.streetmarshals.co.uk www.hullbestbarnone.co.uk