Crime plummets around Shrewsbury homeless centre after security bolstered and drop-in service ditched

Shrewsbury Ark in Castle Foregate closed for a month last year over safety fears and "intimidating" behaviour.

After consulting with police and other service providers, it reopened having made several changes, which police say has caused a drop in anti-social behaviour incidents of 70 per cent.

The charity has also helped 24 people in supported accommodation in the last six months, while 123 have engaged with mental health support services at the day centre.

Inspector Ben Tanfield from the Shrewsbury Safer Neighbourhood Team praised the charity’s efforts, saying: “Staff from The Ark did a lot of work with us last autumn to change their operating model. Among other things, The Ark moved away from an open-door policy, to supporting the relatively small number of verified people who are rough sleeping who need their help most.

“As a result, reports of anti-social behaviour and crime have fallen by more than 70 per cent in and around the Ark since 2022. This improvement has really been felt by the people I speak to in the town centre and by my police colleagues.

"Hopefully the people who use The Ark also find it a safer and more supportive place too. We will continue to work with The Ark and other partners to ensure Shrewsbury remains a safe place for residents, visitors and businesses.”