CitySafe Initiatives

The City Centre Company team are dedicated to making the city a safe and pleasant environment for all its visitors, workers and inhabitants.  Working with agencies and partners the team actively engage in organising and promoting projects to improve the City.

Anti-Social Behavior

Wolverhampton Police are reminding people that there is an alcohol ban in St Peter’s gardens, following a number of complaints of anti-social behaviour.  Officers are working closely with Wolverhampton Anti-Social Behaviour Unit, WVone and local businesses to tackle the problem.  Eight individuals currently have ASBOs banning them from St Peter's Gardens and other parts of the city centre; evidence is being collected to issue more orders.

WVone has produced a leaflet giving advice to city centre businesses on reporting anti-social behavior - a copy of this can be downloaded here or a laminated copy can be requested from Lucy Bickley on 01902 551077. Pictured left are City Centre Wardens Anne and Clive with Kim Gilmour, holding copies of the new leaflet.

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Clean City Days

Businesses were asked to support two ‘Clean City Days’ during the summer - these events were organised by WVone with the support of Wolverhampton City Council, West Midlands Police, West Midlands Fire Service and Wolverhampton PCT.

A mobile unit, manned by police officers and Regulatory Services officers in Queen Square offered free cigarette pouches and information to the public.  Fines of up to £60 can be issued to those that do offend.

Businesses can help by encouraging members of staff to dispose of cigarettes responsibly - and not just on these targetted days - particularly around hot spot areas like the entrances to both the Wulfrun and Mander Centres - sound advice if they want to avoid a fine!

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Purse Dipping - Keep Your Eye On It!

WVone assisted in a Christmas campaign to urge shoppers to keep their handbags and purses close to them to avoid becoming a victim of crime.

West Midlands Police reminded people that Christmas is a great time for thieves who know that shoppers are out and about with lots of cash to spend on presents.  Posters were put up around the high street reminding people to keep their valuables safe and a giant billboard was stationed on the city’s ring road to send the message out to drivers as they entered the city.

The message to shoppers is simple – make sure you keep your eye on your belongings at all times or use purse bells given away by the Police - if it is too difficult for the offender to grab your purse, they simply won’t bother trying.

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Tackling Begging

Whilst Wolverhampton doesn’t have a huge problem with begging,  a survey* carried out by the City Centre Company on a range of issues showed that 76% of respondents were concerned about the levels of begging in the city.

In order to educate people to donate to recognised charities, WVone undertook a poster campaign and worked with the police in informing members of the public.

Kim Gilmour, City Centre Manager said: “Begging is an emotive issue as people often think they are supporting homeless people.  But giving direct to people on the street may not be the best option when there are charities offering food, clothing and showering facilities open to a wide range of homeless, vulnerable or socially excluded people.  We are concerned people giving money could unwittingly encourage more beggars into the city centre acting as a deterrent to other visitors.

“Our message is simple, if you want to donate, donate to a recognised charity that supports vulnerable people and our campaign includes information on what organisations provide local services.”

Click here for more information on how to donate.

*WVone City Centre Health Check June 2009