§ 44. Mr. BurtTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps his Department is taking to help prevent crime in Bury; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenOur strategy for crime prevention applies to all parts of England and Wales. We have substantially increased police manpower and resources, set up Crime Concern to stimulate, support and develop local crime prevention activity, and have launched this month the third phase of our national crime prevention advertising campaign which will provide further advice for the public on how they can help to reduce crime. The Government encourage the growth and development of neighbourhood watch schemes and crime prevention panels and I am pleased to note that there are now 401 watch schemes in Bury, North compared to 259 this time last year. I know also that the Bury and district crime prevention panel has run successful campaigns against shoplifting and recently organised a major crime prevention exhibition.