12 January 2010
Offenders carrying out Community Payback across Caerphilly county borough have completed more than 2,385 hours over the last three months alone.
A total of 31 locations throughout the county borough have received litter picks and general tidy ups, and graffiti has been removed from an additional 33 locations as part of Community Payback by offenders working with Gwent Probation Service.
More than 40 litres of masonry paint was used as part of the Community Payback, together with 35 litres of graffiti removal gel, 1.5 tubs of graffiti removal wipes and over two boxes of refuse sacks.
There was also a total of 38 days of direct supervision by officers at Gwent Probation Service to oversee the projects.
Cllr Lyn Ackerman, cabinet member for the environment said, "It is vital that our residents see that justice is being done in their communities. Community Payback is excellent in that it gives the law-abiding majority a voice, which in turn helps build confidence in the criminal justice system."
David Bidgood of Gwent Probation Service said, "Community Payback can bring with it a number of benefits to the community. Firstly, it can help members of the public realise that community sentencing is not a 'soft' option, and that offenders do face tough consequences for their actions.
Secondly, we are able to make use of the Community Payback hours to help ensure that Caerphilly county borough is a clean and pleasant place to live, work and visit, as well as help reduce fear of crime levels and build community confidence among residents.
At the same time, offenders are also able to pay back to the community for their crimes while helping to make a real positive difference to the environment."
Community Payback is a vital part of the Home Office's national neighbourhood crime and justice initiative, Justice Seen Justice Done, of which Caerphilly county borough is a pioneer area.
It helps demonstrate to members of the public that community sentencing is not a 'soft' option and that offenders on Community Payback do face tough consequences for their actions.
It is also highly visible, as offenders must wear fluorescent orange jackets while carrying out their tasks.
The Safer Caerphilly Community Safety Partnership welcomes suggestions for community projects that may be able to benefit from Community Payback. To suggest a project, visit the Safer CCB website or call Gwent Probation Service on 01633 822 007.
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