§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the role and work of the Merseyside Street Crime Initiative Unit. [146239]
§ Ms BlearsRobbery in Merseyside reduced by 5 per cent. in 2002–03 compared to 2001–02. This has been achieved by effective partnership working across all agencies. Overall strategic management of street crime is by the Multi Agency Group (MAG). At an operational level, this is supported by Joint Agency Groups (JAGs) and the Robbery Reduction Team. In the Robbery Reduction Team police and Crown Prosecution Service are co-located and the Premium Service provided.