This evening the wife found herself being added to the crime statistics of Irwell Riverside – in particular, the crime statistics of an area close to Encombe Place. Frequent visitors to my blog will be all too aware that I have often discussed the problems of crime associated with the Youth Offender Service located on Encombe Place and the impact of it’s proposed move to a residential cul-de-sac in Blackfriars.

As “the other half” returned from her piano lesson at her tutor’s apartment in what was once the Salford Royal Hospital, she was presented with the aftermath of an attempted theft from her car. Three windows had been callously smashed and the glove box ransacked. Presumably, they were looking for the car radio fascia (which she had detached and taken with her) or perhaps a satellite navigation device (which she also removed). In the end, they stole her study books, sunglasses, a couple of ‘bags for life’ and a blanket. The study books and blanket were found dumped a few yards away, so were fortunately retrieved by a resident of the apartments and returned.

There was nothing of value to steal, but because the idiots that prey on this car park on a regular basis will no doubt have surmised, it was worth a look just on the off chance. They know there is little chance of being caught, because as fast as the police were in responding – the assailants are long gone by the time the authorities arrive.

The irony of the news stand outside my local paper shop was not lost on me as I joined my other half at the scene, to inspect the damage for myself, and to call Autoglass. As I stood and talked to the local police, their comments said it all “It’s a hotbed around here!”

No kidding!

If I was allowed, I could show you evidence that theft from motor vehicles is a serious problem within half a mile of the Youth Offender Service and that, in particular, the car park at The Royal Apartments is where that crime tends to take place. The “restricted” evidence to which I refer, was used by members of Vertical Villages and Bridgewater Residents Association to good effect in their recent fight against the completely unjustified decision of Salford’s Labour-led council to move the YOS service to their area.

The loss of our property may be small, but the impact on me and my wife’s life has been profound. Excluding the £75 cost (my insurance excess) and the few items the idiots decided to take with them, it impacted on her rehearsal for Sing Live – meaning I had to run her up to Bolton and pick her up again afterwards. Worse still, we will have to take her vehicle to Autoglass at some ungodly hour of the early morning (probably 1am at this rate), in order to leave it somewhere secure.

I would speculate that it was no coincidence that this incident happened at or around the time the YOS building at Encombe Place closes. I feel for the residents of The Royal Apartments, as I’m reliably informed this kind of reckless vandalism is a regular occurrence – but similarly, I would not want this problem moving into a residential cul-de-sac, in any area.

It’s clear that the Youth Offender Service will bring crime to whatever area it is re-located to, so surely it would make sense to locate it somewhere central (away from residential areas in so far as is possible). Effective policing and monitoring of the visitors going to and from the YOS building is perhaps an answer.

To the residents of Irwell Riverside – this evening we suffered the kind of crime you have to deal with every day. As your councillor (should you vote for me), I promise to do all I can to solve this blight on a fabulous area.

I would like to personally thank the residents of The Royal Apartments who witnessed the vandalism taking place and for reporting it quickly.