§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the work of the Street Crime Unit in Liverpool. [170565]
§ Ms BlearsRobbery in Merseyside fell 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 carried out by the Multi Agency Group. At an operational level, this is supported by Joint Agency Groups and the Robbery Reduction Team. In the Robbery Reduction Team, police and Crown Prosecution Service are co-located and the Premium Service is provided.
§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what changes are necessary to ensure the Liverpool Unit achieves the full benefits of co-location. [170566]
§ Ms BlearsThe benefits can be seen in reductions in robbery in Merseyside. There were 5 per cent. fewer robberies in Merseyside in 2002–03 than in 2001–02. Merseyside aims to provide a good quality of prosecution, using the Premium Service approach. This involves the Crown Prosecution Service working closely with the police, with whom they are co-located, from an early stage of investigation to facilitate incisive progression of cases through the courts, with their co-operation.