§ Mr. David DavisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps his Department is taking against crime in Humberside; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenOur strategy for crime reduction applies to all parts of England and Wales. Police manpower and resources have been substantially 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.
Total crime in Humberside fell by 4 per cent. in 1988. My right hon. Friend approved a further 20 police posts for the force from 1 April bringing the authorised establishment up to 1992. The Government encourage the growth and development of neighbourhood watch schemes and crime prevention panels. There are now 1,331 watch schemes covering approximately 29,500 households throughout Humberside, with 15 panels and two junior panels. Hull is one of the areas in our Safer Cities programme.