Respect launch marks season of goodwill

“Give respect, get respect” is the message being sent out to shoppers, residents and revellers in Manchester City Centre as part of the Respect Action Week.

Throughout the week, which begins today (Monday 10 Dec) the council, police and other partners will work together to tackle crime and anti social behaviour and provide personal safety advice to people who visit, work or live in the city centre.

The Respect Action Weeks have been running across Manchester since a successful pilot in the summer. This pioneering approach to tackling low-level crime and anti social behaviour has been hugely successful with crime falling by 50% in some areas compared to the same period last year.

Manchester City Council's deputy leader, Councillor Jim Battle said: "The Respect Action Weeks held so far have been extremely effective and show just what can be achieved when the police, council and community work together.

"The city centre RAW will take on a new dimension as it will involve not only residents but also the many thousands of people who visit Manchester during the Christmas period. We want to make sure that they enjoy the city and will encourage them to take simple measures to keep themselves and their property safe."

The council's spokesperson for the city centre, Councillor Pat Karney said: "Manchester has an international reputation as a vibrant, exciting city. We're keen that everyone who visits the city centre to shop or socialise has a good time. Along with our partners, we will be handing out information and advice to reinforce sensible drinking and personal safety messages to help them behave in a responsible way when they're out in Manchester."

During the week there will be targeted joint police and council patrols. The Crime Prevention caravan will be parked at various locations throughout the city and staff will be handing out information along with satnav wipes, torches, light-timers and property marking kits. On Friday and Saturday evening a temporary walk-in help and advice centre will be located next to Urbis.

Media contact:

Sally Wheatman, tel: 0161 234 4045