Drugs, dogs and disqualified drivers are just a few of the things reported thanks to Merton’s Action in Merton (AIM) events and with the final event for 2011 taking place next week, another area of the borough is soon to benefit from the Safer Merton partnership’s action days.
Previous AIM events have seen areas cleared of graffiti, litter picked, overgrown areas tidied, a number of dogs chipped and much more. The next Action in Merton one-day event is coming to Streatham Road, Manship Road Junction on Figge’s Marsh on Thursday 29 September from 10am-2pm and will focus on similar areas of action.
The AIM events have also led to a number of crime and anti social behaviour issues being highlighted to council officers or the police. For example an unregistered dangerous dog was brought to the attention of officers. Also, an anonymous tip off was given to the AIM teams about a suspected drug dealer which has led to an arrest. Whilst in one area on the AIM day, officers noticed someone selling what they believed to be counterfeit goods which has led to a trading standards investigation. Other incidents include:
– An elderly lady who was locked out of her home was helped back into her house by a PCSO
– Children truanting were escorted back to school
– The recovery of a stray dog
– An ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) exercise helped identify businesses carrying waste without a waste carriers license and disqualified drivers.
AIM is a one-day event to address local environmental, crime, anti-social behaviour, fire and other safety issues and is working to make Merton a safer, cleaner and healthier place for residents to live and enjoy. At the final event on Thursday 29 September Merton Council and its partners including the Probation service’s Payback team will be taking action in the Streatham Road area. Safer Merton partners and council officers will also be on hand to offer crime and safety advice, free dog micro chipping and much more.
Councillor Edith Macauley, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Engagement and Equalities says
“Everyone can benefit from AIM because if we have a cleaner and safer place to live, we will have a much more positive attitude towards our area. If we can all work together against crime, graffiti and rubbish it will help create a stronger community and make us feel safer.”
To find out more go to http://www.merton.gov.uk/aim or call 020 8545 4109