MORE than 1,000 victims and witnesses of crime in Caerphilly have benefited from a service offering support and guidance to help them tackle anti-social behaviour.

The Safer Caerphilly Community Safety Partnership has given specialist support to victims and witnesses of anti-social behaviour since May 2009 through Victim Support.

But the scheme expanded in February 2010 when a victim’s champion, Lana Harrison, was appointed. Since then 1,098 victims and witnesses passed through the scheme.

Ms Harrison and a team of specially trained volunteers provide a free and confidential service, which has already helped hundreds of families across the county borough.

This includes advice and support, practical and emotional assistance, and could also include providing help to a victim or witness of anti-social behaviour who are required to give evidence in court.

Cllr Dave Poole, cabinet member for community and leisure services, said, “By offering this innovative service, the Safer Caerphilly Community Safety Partnership is providing a dual approach to tackling anti-social behaviour.

"We also operate a “four strike system” which identifies individuals whose persistent anti-social behaviour causes problems within our communities. The partnership takes an extremely tough stance on anti social behaviour and I am pleased that through our Victim Champion and her team of volunteers we are helping residents to go about their lives feeling safe and secure in their communities.”

Police officers, community safety wardens, tenancy enforcement officers and other community safety staff have also been trained to know how to provide support and guidance to victims of anti-social behaviour.

Anyone interested in volunteering for the project is encouraged to contact Ms Harrison on 01495 235441.