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A free session helping people in the borough to stay safe online is being run next week. Anyone who lives or works in the borough can sign up for Staying Safe Online. It takes place on Thursday February 6 from 5pm to 6pm at Dudley Wood Neighbourhood Learning Centre in Dudley Wood Road. It is being run by safe and sound, Dudley’s community safety partnership. The session will be delivered by Police Community Support Officer Sean Long, who is one of only three specialist digital PCSOs in the country. It will cover cyber risks and safety tips such as current threats, passwords, WiFi and a touch of social media in addition to signposting people to further information about staying safe online. Councillor Laura Taylor, cabinet member for housing, communities and residents’ welfare, said: "Anyone who has fallen victim to cyber crime knows the wide reaching consequences. It not only breaks trust and confidence but can also plunge people into serious financial trouble. "This free course delivered by an expert in the field will help people to be more aware of the dangers, and I would urge people to book a place and go along." To book online please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/staying-safe-online-tickets-83765580105 For offline bookings and enquiries call (01384) 816496.

For most children Christmas means fun, presents and Santa, but for some, the festive period means blazing rows, sleepless nights and worry because of domestic abuse. This month, as part of their Christmas safety tips campaign, safe & sound, Dudley’s community safety partnership is highlighting that children are often the hidden victims of domestic abuse. Children living with domestic abuse can often become invisible and suffer in silence. Described as the ‘forgotten victims’ as in the majority of cases they are involved in some way. People who suspect a child is being harmed or neglected or is living with domestic abuse should call children’s service’s referral and advice service on 0300 555 0050. Councillor Laura Taylor, cabinet member responsible for community safety, said: "Christmas is a time for families but sadly some children are exposed to abusive domestic situations. "It’s important everyone takes responsibility for reporting it if they suspect a child is at risk." If you are experiencing domestic abuse, contact Dudley’s domestic abuse partnership on 01384 455411 or in an emergency dial 999.

Safer streets and less fear of crime are critical for the future success of Dudley and Brierley Hill town centres, a new people’s panel has concluded. A group of 40 people from the two towns were selected to form the first ever Dudley People’s Panel. The panel was independently designed and facilitated with the support of The Democratic Society. It met to discuss what communities and the council could do to make Dudley and Brierley Hill town centres vibrant, welcoming and places residents could be proud of. Cracking down on crime featured prominently on both lists – and council bosses said today measures were already being put in place to help people feel safer in town centres. They include investment in CCTV cameras and new Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), while a plan is also in the pipeline for a new police station in Dudley town centre. The panel discussed the issues and heard evidence from experts on a range of subjects relevant to the future of Dudley and Brierley Hill’s future development including town centre regeneration, community safety, public health and leisure over two weekends in November and December. People’s Panel members spent time coming up with detailed recommendations to present to councillors. In Dudley, the three ‘key success proposals’ with the most support were: Be safer with less crime Be full of public squares to meet, eat, relax and be Be home to first rate entertainment with venues for live music, comedy and festivals In Brierley Hill, the three ‘key success proposals’ with the most support were: Involve local people in creating community events and participation Be livelier with open public spaces for people to sit and congregate Be safer with less crime A full report of the People’s Panel findings will go before Dudley Council’s ruling cabinet for consideration at a meeting on February 12 at the Council House. It will also be discussed at Dudley Council’s Place Scrutiny Committee on January 29. Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, said: "We wanted to run the People’s Panel in order to give members of the public more say over decisions that affect them and their communities. "As part of this, the council was thrilled to be one of only three local authorities selected by the government to take part in the Innovation in Democracy Programme. "It has not come as any great surprise to us that fear of crime is high up on people’s priorities. It is one of our key priorities as well, reflected in the fact we are spending nearly £2 million on boosting CCTV coverage in the borough and £750,000 on new PCSOs. We are also in talks with the police about utilising land we own in Dudley town centre to build a new police station. "As a council we will use the information provided by the People’s Panel to help us decide what further we can do in the short, medium and long-term to make the borough’s town centres vibrant and welcoming." The People’s Panel was a citizens’ assembly run by independent facilitators from The Democratic Society. Mel Stevens, programmes director at The Democratic Society, said: "The people of Dudley borough are extremely passionate about the future of their town centres. This process, independently facilitated by The Democratic Society, has enabled a group of 40 randomly selected residents to craft a blue print for the future of Dudley and Brierley Hill town centres. "By considering evidence and working with each other to weigh up options and consider trade-offs they have developed a set of meaningful, actionable recommendations. "It will be exciting to see how the recommendations made by the People’s Panel are valued by elected members to aid their decisions to make town centres places which are vibrant, welcoming and somewhere residents are proud of." Kevin Ditcham, local democracy delivery manager at The Democratic Society, said: "The Dudley People’s Panel has shown the power of residents being involved in local authority decision making. Engaging with residents in a genuine and meaningful way is a powerful and worthwhile process." Notes to editors In October, letters were sent to 10,000 randomly selected households, inviting people aged 16 and over to register their interest in becoming a People’s Panel member. Households which received the invitation were able to register their interest in participating. The Sortition Foundation then randomly selected 50 individuals from the pool of responses who broadly represented a cross-section of Dudley’s demographic profile in terms of age, gender, geography, household type, occupation, disability and ethnicity. Panel members were given £150 via BACS transfer at the end of each weekend - £300 in total – to incentivise, retain and recognise their commitment and thank them for their involvement. Dudley Council was awarded funding and support from the UK Government's Innovation in Democracy Programme to hold this citizens' assembly. The Innovation in Democracy Programme (IiDP) is trialling innovative models of deliberative democracy to involve residents in local government decision-making.

Safe & sound is supporting Counter Terrorism Police’s campaign to help keep crowded places safe over the festive period. Officers are calling on the public and those who work in our busy towns and cities to remain vigilant and report any concerns to staff, security or - in confidence - to the police at gov.uk/ACT. This annual campaign asks everyone to be the extra eyes and ears of the police, so we can work together to tackle terrorism. Senior National Coordinator for Protective Security, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Lucy D’Orsi, says: “We are asking everyone out and about enjoying the season to put security at the top of their festive list. “The chances of any one person being caught up in a terrorist incident are low. But sadly, as we saw in 2017 and more recently, attacks can be carried out anywhere and anytime. “The national threat level remains Substantial, meaning an attack is likely, so we need to remain vigilant. “Our message is not to worry that you might be wasting our time. If you see something that doesn’t look right – ACT. Report it either to local security or staff - or to police at gov.uk/ACT – and let us check it out. “A few minutes of your time could be a precious gift that helps saves lives. Please be a good CT citizen this festive period.”

As Christmas fast approaches and money is tight, Dudley borough residents are being warned not to be bitten by loan sharks. At this time of year people are often tempted by loan sharks as they struggle for cash to cover the expense of the season. This makes it easier for lenders to exploit people with a small loan to tide them over Christmas, but it ends up costing borrowers much more financially and having a huge impact on their lives. Loan sharks will act like friends and make the offer seem hard to resist, but very quickly the situation can spiral out of control and borrowers can be subjected to threats, violence and intimidation. Alan Lunt, deputy chief executive of Dudley Council, said: “Loan sharks aren’t licensed to lend money and don’t care about taking advantage of people. They can resort to extreme methods to enforce repayment. “If you think there are loan sharks in your area please report it.” Credit unions are recommended as a safe, alternative lending and saving facility. To find out about Castle & Crystal Credit Union in Dudley call 01384 815771 or visit www.castleandcrystal.co.uk Loan sharks can be reported confidentially by calling Illegal Money Lending England on 0300 555 2222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, 24 hours a day, seven days a week or by emailing reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk To find out more visit www.direct.gov.uk/stoploansharks

Halloween is fast approaching and as young people enjoy the spooky season, the advice is to stay safe and respect others. Safe & sound, Dudley’s community safety partnership is encouraging people with elderly or vulnerable family, neighbours or friends, to download a ‘no trick or treat’ sign from their website to display in doors and windows. At this time of year the innocent actions of trick or treaters can easily scare elderly and vulnerable members of the community so young people should avoid knocking on doors displaying the sign. Parents are also being asked to encourage young people to stay safe when trick or treating by staying with friends and in areas they are familiar with. To read more tips or to download a ‘no trick or treat’ sign visit the community safety partnership’s website www.dudleysafeandsound.org/darkernights Councillor Laura Taylor, cabinet member for housing, communities and residents’ welfare, said: "Halloween is an enjoyable time of year and trick or treating should be fun. "It’s important young people stay safe when trick or treating whilst being respectful to elderly and vulnerable members of our communities. "There’s tips on our website and a downloadable ‘no trick or treat’ sign to help everyone in our community have a great Halloween." #hatecrime

People in Dudley borough are being reminded to look out for the warning signs of modern slavery this Anti-Slavery Day. As part of the national day, which takes place today (18 October), safe & sound, Dudley’s Community Safety partnership, is raising awareness of what modern slavery is. Anyone can be a victim regardless of gender, age or nationality so it’s important people know how to spot the signs which include living or sleeping in a place of work and having no control over their own finances.Other signs may include signs of fear of police or authority figures, somebody controlling their movements and limited social contact. People can find out more about modern slavery and human trafficking, by visiting www.dudleysafeandsound.org. Councillor Laura Taylor, cabinet member for housing, communities and residents’ welfare, said: “Modern slavery is a horrendous crime which sees people illegally exploited for personal or commercial gain. “It could be happening right under our noses, particularly in places such as nail salons, restaurants or take-aways and car washes. “I’d encourage anyone who suspects someone may be a victim of modern slavery to report it straight away.” People can report any suspicions of modern slavery, by calling the modern slavery helpline on 08000 121 700 or by contacting West Midlands Police www.west-midlands.police.uk/. Always call 999 in an emergency. #hatecrime

As part of National Hate Crime Awareness Week, Dudley’s Community Safety partnership, is raising awareness of hate crime. During the week, which runs from 12 to 19 October, the safe & sound partnership is reminding people that hate crime is when someone is hostile to another person because of their disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation. Nationally, it is estimated by the police that half of all hate crimes go unreported and the partnership wants people to know how reports can be made in Dudley borough. People can report in confidence through a third party reporting centre or using the new West Midlands Police hate crime app. Councillor Laura Taylor, cabinet member for housing, communities and residents’ welfare, said: "Research shows that hate crimes are under reported across the country. "Many people think that hate-related messages on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram don’t count, but they absolutely do. "I’d encourage anyone who is or thinks they might be a target of a hate crime to report and visit the safe & sound website to find out more." People can find out more about hate crime, including third party reporting centres and access the hate crime app by visiting www.dudleysafeandsound.org/hatecrime or calling Dudley Council Plus on 0300 555 2345. #hatecrime

Dudley residents are being invited to attend a safe & sound board meeting and speak directly to the people who are accountable for community safety. Dudley’s Community Safety Partnership, safe & sound - which incorporates the borough’s local police and crime board - will be holding a public board meeting on 21 October 2019 at DY1, Stafford Street, Dudley from 6pm. People will have the opportunity to observe the board meeting and find out more about how the safe & sound partnership operates before being able to talk directly to the people who are accountable for community safety. Senior officers and decision-makers from the police, council, fire service and other organisations will be on hand to answer questions over coffee after the meeting. Councillor Laura Taylor, cabinet member for housing, communities and residents’ welfare, said: “Listening to residents’ concerns is a priority and every year we ask people to tell us what their community safety concerns are to help us identify the main issues facing communities. “We’re committed to working with our partners and listening to what residents are telling us about the main issues facing their communities. “I would encourage people to come along to find out more about safe & sound and take the opportunity to speak to the people responsible for community safety.” Book a place via Eventbrite or to find out more, email community.safety@dudley.gov.uk or call 01384 814735.

People have another opportunity to share their views on how safe they feel in their communities at an event later this month. The friendly, informal session will be held at the activity centre at Mary Stevens Park, Stourbridge from 9.30 to 11.30am on Saturday September 21. Staff from Dudley Council’s public health and community safety teams will be asking local people how safe they feel in their communities and what would help them to feel safer. People will also be asked if they have any particular concerns about violent crime in their community or if they have been directly affected by violence in their area in the last year. Officers will also be sharing how people can report concerns or incidents to the relevant authorities. The findings will help contribute to the development of a violence prevention strategy, reflecting the fact that Dudley borough is the safest in the Black Country and looking at what work can be done to keep it that way. Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: "We held similar events in August and were really pleased with how many people came along to share their views on how safe they feel in the borough. Stats tell us that we have the lowest violent crime rate in the region and it’s really important we take action to keep it that way by listening to the experiences of our residents and the issues which concern them most." The session will be informal and everyone is very welcome to attend. For those who are unable to make it, I’d urge them to take a few minutes to complete our online survey. Refreshments will be provided and every person who attends will have the chance to enter a free prize draw for a £40 Merry Hill Centre voucher. For more information contact the community safety team by calling 01384 814735 or emailing Community.Safety@dudley.gov.uk

There’s a chance for people to share how safe they feel in their communities with two listening café events next month. The friendly, informal sessions will be held at the Cornbow Hall, Halesowen on Wednesday 14 August from 2 – 4pm and the DY1 building in Dudley on Thursday 22 August from 6 - 8pm. Staff from Dudley Council’s public health and community safety teams and local police teams will be asking local people how safe they feel in their communities and what would help them to feel safer. People will also be asked if they have any particular concerns about violent crime in their community or if they have been directly affected by violence in their area in the last year. Officers will also be sharing how people can report concerns or incidents to the relevant authorities. The findings will help contribute to the development of a violence prevention strategy, reflecting the fact that Dudley borough is the safest in the Black Country and looking at what work can be done to keep it that way. Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: “Dudley borough has the lowest violent crime rate in the Black Country and we want to help keep it that way. “These two informal sessions in Dudley and Halesowen will allow people to share their concerns, and discuss any ideas they have to make their communities safer and free from violence.” Everyone is welcome. Refreshments will be provided and every person who attends will have the chance to enter a free prize draw for a £40 Merry Hill Centre voucher. If people are unable to attend, they can still share their views by completing an online survey at – https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/keepdudleysafe For more information contact the community safety team by calling 01384 814735 or Community.Safety@dudley.gov.uk

It's Valentine's Day and may people find love online. Have fun and keep safe with our online safety top tips... Get knowledge of how the social media you use works, Put your account on private and research/ check privacy settings Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know - don’t take it as certain that people are in real life, who they say they are online Don’t give out personal information unless you know it’s safe to do so THINK before you say something on social media – how does it look/read to others? Make sure you send private messages ONLY to your intended recipient. A “wrong send” could lead to someone else learning something about you, that you may not want them to be aware of. Once they have seen it, they can’t “unsee” the information If you share pictures and information about others, always get their permission to do so It’s not just your own reputation to consider. A bad mistake online could embarrass….Your family….Your friends…. Your employer…..Your school! Enjoy yourself!!! #communitysafety #online