§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what initiatives he proposes during 1995 for tackling the fear of crime.
§ Mr. MacleanFear of crime can reduce the quality of life for individuals and the public is right to express concern. But, it is important to distinguish between realistic concern and that debilitating anxiety that makes people afraid to participate fully in everyday life. But there are no acceptable levels of crime, and the Home Office will continue to give a high priority to tackling crime and the fear of it during 1995.
First and foremost is the "Partners Against Crime" initiative which was launched by the Home Secretary in September 1994. The campaign encourages individual members of the public to join the police as partners in the fight against crime. Through neighbourhood watch schemes, the special constabulary, neighbourhood constables, street watch, youth action groups and crime prevention panels individuals can make a difference and 205W also gain a sense of empowerment, which in turn helps to reduce the fear of crime.
We welcome and encourage the use of technology and we will shortly be assessing the bids and announcing the winners of the closed circuit television competition which the Home Secretary announced last October.
Tackling crime is of course a matter for everyone, and the Home Office will continue to work closely with other organisations and Government Departments—such as the Department of the Environment on the single regeneration budget and the safer cities programme; and the Department of Transport, which has commissioned a national review of transport-related crime and perceptions of safety.
Publicity material providing practical advice on measures which people can take to help keep themselves, their families and their property safe will be maintained and promulgated.