Jacqui Smith launches Crime Prevention Summit

Labour’s Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith, has called a special crime prevention summit to discuss practical measures to help keep crime down.

Representatives from the police, charities and public and private sector organisations will discuss reducing crime – particularly focusing on burglary.

The Home Office website will offer new home security pages giving a single source of information and advice on home security which includes a new online personalised home security self assessment, ‘How secure is your home?’ that helps people to grade the security of their home in a few minutes. You can visit the site here

Labour’s Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith, said:

“Burglary has more than halved in the last ten years and I am determined to stay on the front foot.  Previous downturns have seen increases in acquisitive crimes but I do not accept this is inevitable.  The police are better equipped than ever before to meet the current challenges but we all have a role to play in presenting a united front.

“There will be a small minority of criminals who think they can take advantage in tough times.  Let me tell them now, they can’t and they won’t get away with it.

“That is why I have today called together a wide range of organisations to see what more we can do to assist those without adequate security. I’m interested in exploring new and innovative ways of getting information about home security to the public such as whether DIY stores can offer advice on crime prevention or charities can provide practical crime prevention help to vulnerable people.

“Neighbourhood policing teams already play a vital role in helping people feel safer and I want to see them supporting people to get the advice and reassurance they need.  We are also providing common sense practical advice and support for people. There are very simple things you can do to stay safe, such as having and using good door and window locks.  I want to make sure that it is clear who you would go to for advice and help.  

“This will be backed by a new £20 million fund dedicated to offer practical support to people and a new £1.6 million crime prevention marketing campaign that will begin this month.”