§ Mr. Ian TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps his Department is taking to encourage crime prevention in Surrey.
§ Mr. John PattenOur strategy for crime prevention applies to all parts of England and Wales. Police manpower and resources have been substantially 43W increased, Crime Concern was launched with Government support in May 1988 to stimulate, support and develop local crime prevention activity and the largest ever national crime prevention publicity campaign was launched last year.
My right hon. Friend approved a further 10 police posts for the force from 1 April bringing the authorised establishment up to 1,649, and I understand there are now 389 watch schemes covering approximately 20,000 households throughout Surrey, together with nine panels and four junior panels. The Surrey constabulary is one of 10 south east forces involved, with Home Office support, in an ambitious scheme "Secured By Design" which aims to encourage the construction industry to incorporate security measures as standard in new homes; the scheme will be launched on 7 June.