Crime Prevention (Hansard, 3 December 1987)

§ 18. Mr. Bellingham
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further steps he plans to take to encourage further crime prevention schemes on industrial estates.

§ Mr. John Patten
As an example of the co-operative approach we support, the National Westminster bank is currently sponsoring an extensive scheme in Milton Keynes aimed at establishing industry watches on local factory estates. I am also aware of the success of a similar scheme in the hon. Member's constituency, on the North Lynn industrial estate. These are examples of the activity we are keen to disseminate as good practice for others to follow.

§ 38. Mr. Budgen
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a further statement on progress on the implementation of the various crime prevention initiatives recently undertaken.

§ Mr. John Patten
A wide range of crime prevention initiatives are successfully under way at both national and local level. The energy and enthusiasm of those concerned is evident and we are determined that this should be further encouraged and that where initiatives are successful in preventing and reducing crime and in reducing the fear of crime, experience and good practice is made known to all. At national level, the ministerial group on crime prevention and the standing conference on crime prevention have important roles in exchanging ideas and co-ordinating policies. To support and encourage crime prevention work locally we hope shortly to announce details of a new crime prevention organisation.

§ 53. Mr. Andrew MacKay
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the implications for his policy on crime prevention of the latest figures of recorded crime.

§ Mr. John Patten
The recorded crime figures for the 12 months to the end of June 1987 show an increase of 3 per cent. compared with the previous 12 months. This is appreciably less than the 6 per cent. average annual increase between 1980 and 1986. There was a fall in thefts from shops, and the increase in burglaries was well below the long term rate of increase. This is encouraging because these are both types of offence which can be prevented. 677W Crime prevention will therefore continue to play an important part in our efforts to reduce crime. We will continue to encourage all those who can help to prevent crime to take appropriate action.