HC Deb 09 July 1987 vol 119 cc212-3W
Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied with the progress made with crime prevention schemes in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten

We are satisfied that good progress is being made in building up a wide range of crime prevention schemes and initiatives throughout England and Wales. The variety of bodies and organisations now actively engaged in crime prevention schemes both nationally and locally has never been broader. From members of the public who have now joined together in over 35,000 neighbourhood watch schemes through to an increasing number of authorities, organisations, companies and groups across all sectors there has come a welcome recognition that much crime is preventable and that the responsibility for preventing it does not only rest with the police. Local crime prevention initiatives which have taken a variety of forms have already proved their worth and we look forward to a further expansion in their numbers and their influence.

Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the crime prevention schemes set up in Wales.

Mr. John Patten

There are 588 places on 27 community programme crime prevention initiative projects in various parts of Wales. There are 18 local Crime Prevention Panels, 1,666 neighbourhood watch schemes spread over the four police areas. In addition, one of the local crime prevention projects which make up the "Five Towns" initiative is based on the Penlan Estate in Swansea: I understand that the project will shortly extend its activity to other areas of Swansea. I am aware that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales has also introduced a number of other initiatives.

Mr. Ieuan Wyn

Jones asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the level of funding from his Department for each crime prevention scheme; and whether such schemes are directly funded from his Department or are funded through agencies.

Mr. John Patten

Local crime prevention schemes may receive funding or support in kind from a variety of sources, but, as a general rule, they do not receive Home Office funding either directly or indirectly. However, from the beginning of January 1986 the Home Office has met in full the salaries and related expenses of the coordinators of the five local crime prevention projects in Croydon, Bolton, north Tyneside, Swansea and Wellingborough which together made up our five towns crime prevention initiative. The Home Office has also provided some financial support for local publicity for these projects. We estimate that when the five towns initiative ends in October this year, Home Office funding for these projects will have amounted to about £170.000.