Street pastors make Norwich a safer place

OCT 2007: Christian Street Pastors are helping to make night time in Norwich a much safer place according to the local police chiefs and have been so successful they have doubled their time on the streets.

 

The group of street pastors, set up by Norwich churches, are now a regular part of the late night mix in the city centre offering help and support to people on nights out in the city. Since October 13 a new team has also been going out on Saturday nights in addition to the usual Friday night slot.

 

Some 30 street pastors are now trained and out and about, including volunteers from Baptist, Methodist, Anglican, Kings, Proclaimers and Norwich Family Life churches

 

Inspector Peter Walsh, the police officer with responsibility for public order and licensed premises in Norwich, Broadland, and South Norfolk, said initiatives including the street pastors have all helped to drive down crime on Norwich street which are full of clubbers heading to the heart of the city's clubland.

 

“Thousands of mainly young people enjoy the attractions of the city centre on weekend evenings but a small minority place themselves or others at risk because of their excitement, over-indulgence or other youthful, risk-taking behaviour,” said Peter.

 

“The volunteer crew of the SOS Bus helps protect these vulnerable youngsters and have I believed saved several lives. Street Pastors bring additional support to those who may not require medical or police attention but clearly need emotional or other support.

 

 

“The night-time economy in Norwich city centre has suffered from a poor image but that perception is no longer entirely fair or accurate. Great progress has been made and the number of violent crimes in the city centre on weekend evenings has halved over the last four years.”