Crime prevention

Secretly want to be a copper but don't like the uniform? There are easier ways to reduce crime you know.

1. Get a copy of a Home Office crime prevention booklet

Your Practical Guide to Crime Prevention gives details of precautions you can take to protect yourself, your family and your possessions. For a copy of the booklet, or other crime prevention leaflets, contact your local crime prevention officer or call 0870 241 4680.

2. Join a Neighbourhood Watch scheme

Don't think it's just about nosey neighbours and twitching curtains; this is a good way of finding out about crime in your area. Information sheets with details of crimes, arrests, appeals for witnesses, and so on, are regularly sent to scheme members so you can keep up-to-date with what's happening in your community.

If you want to join a scheme contact your local police station. If you are interested in setting up a new scheme in your area ring your local crime prevention or Neighbourhood Watch support officer for details.

3. Crimestoppers

In their own words: "Crimestoppers Trust is the only UK charity aimed at putting criminals behind bars through an anonymous freephone number: 0800 555 111. This anonymity is the key to the scheme's success, because it provides callers with complete safety from any reprisals." Check out the Crimestoppers website for more info. There is also an international site.

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