Beating ‘Credit Crunch’ crime
Minimising the risk of becoming a victim of crime during the ‘Credit Crunch’ is the aim of a new awareness-raising campaign which has launched in Warwickshire this week.
‘Protect Yourself’ has been set up by Warwickshire County Council’s Community Safety Team to help tackle ‘acquisitive crimes’ like robbery, burglary or vehicle crime – where items are stolen or acquired fraudulently.
This can happen anywhere and on a ‘spur-of-the-moment’ basis, when doors or windows are left open or unlocked for example.
Many acquisitive crimes are committed by illicit drug users not receiving treatment according to Kit Leck, manager of Warwickshire’s Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT):
“The links between drug use and crime are clearly established. In fact, around three-quarters of crack and heroin users claim they commit crime to feed their habit.
“It is our priority to break this damaging chain. We will continue to work closely with our treatment providers, the Police and other criminal justice agencies to direct drug-misusing offenders out of crime and into effective treatment.”
Throughout February, the Community Safety Team will be raising awareness of acquisitive crime and issuing information about how to reduce the risk of becoming a victim.
Cllr Richard Hobbs, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Protection, said: “Warwickshire is one of the safest counties to live and crime is at its lowest in six years but by working together, we can make it even safer.
“It could be little things like remembering to lock your windows and doors, keeping valuables out of sight and generally being aware of your surroundings. These don’t cost you money but could save you a lot of hassle.”
David Whitehouse, Head of Community Safety, said: "Warwickshire Police is already working hard with partners to protect communities from harm.
"Last year for three months the force ran a high-profile campaign, Operation Crunch, calling on members of local communities to pass on information about burglars and car criminals to police. This proved extremely successful.
"The message remains the same police, local communities and partners will not tolerate individuals who believe they can cause misery to the lives of others by committing burglary and car crime.
“We want to see reductions in these offences and are committed to supporting this latest initiative to protect more people from harm in Warwickshire."
For more information about Community Safety, please visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/communitysafety.