Southampton City Council

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Crime Reduction and Environment Weeks (CREW)

Photograph of people clearing graffiti



Around ten times a year we pay surprise visits to different neighbourhoods. The locations for CREWs are chosen by listening to what you tell us about local hot spots - and where agencies such as the Police are keen to work. We work to kick-start improvements and reduce crime - and get fast and positive results.

CREWs were developed as a way to reduce anti-social behaviour in Southampton. Every CREW is unique and tailored to the area to get the best results possible. From cleaning and repairing residential buildings and shops to dealing with vacant, derelict or dangerous buildings. Removing graffiti, fly tipping and abandoned vehicles are all part of the usual CREW activity. As well as dealing with crime and making the area look better. Sports and play activities are arranged for young people and they encourage everyone to get involved.

See CREW in action by following the link below:

My Council TV Cleaning up your area


CREW Facts:

  • We've worked at over 30 locations in the past four years

  • 54 street cleans

  • We clear over 440 square metres (2.2 tennis courts) of graffiti and over 38.5 tonnes of waste removed

  • 78 wheelbarrows of litter picked

  • 95 abandoned/untaxed vehicles removed

  • 25 organisations work together to make a difference

  • 455 community payback hours used.


"I have noticed lots of positive things. The best thing has been the clearing of the mountains of litter along the banks of the recycling point on Bevois Valley Road - massive difference seen here".
Claire Hill, Rockstone Lane Residents Association.

We listen to members of each community, make sure we meet the needs of each neighbourhood - and there are opportunities for you to get involved.

The Council, the Police and You, tackling Crime and Anti-social Behaviour in your local area

CREW photo gallery

Photograph of painting - Millbrook

Crime Reduction and Environment Weeks (CREW) work to kick-start improvements and reduce crime - and get fast and positive results. Here some of the team are painting an entrance to flats at a Millbrook estate.
Millbrook CREW 13 - 17 September.

Photograph of Community Payback - Millbrook

CREWs work with Hampshire Probation Service to organise Community Payback Teams (where low-level offenders provide unpaid labour as ‘payback’ for the crimes they have committed). If you think that Community Payback could help improve your neighbourhood please follow the link at the foot of this page.
Millbrook CREW 13 - 17 September.

Photograph of cleaning play equipment - Millbrook

The locations for CREWs are chosen by listening to what you tell us about local hot spots. This play area had been damaged and covered in graffiti and our team got to work cleaning it up.
Millbrook CREW 13 - 17 September.

Photograph of collected rubbish - Millbrook

Just some of the 15 tonnes of bulk waste collected and taken away during the Millbrook CREW (13 - 17 September).

Contact information

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