Other moves included new home security pages on the Home Office website, featuring an online personalised home security self assessment, and a new crime prevention marketing campaign.
The initiatives were announced at a summit held yesterday by the Home Secretary Jacqui Smith.
Smith said: “‘Burglary has more than halved in the last ten years and I am determined to stay on the front foot. Previous downturns have seen increases in acquisitive crimes but I do not accept this is inevitable.
“The police are better equipped than ever before to meet the current challenges but we all have a role to play in presenting a united front.
“There will be a small minority of criminals who think they can take advantage in tough times. Let me tell them now, they can’t and they won’t get away with it.”
New and innovative
“That is why I have today called together a wide range of organisations to see what more we can do to assist those without adequate security. I’m interested in exploring new and innovative ways of getting information about home security to the public such as whether DIY stores can offer advice on crime prevention or charities can provide practical crime prevention help to vulnerable people.
“Neighbourhood policing teams already play a vital role in helping people feel safer and I want to see them supporting people to get the advice and reassurance they need.
“We are also providing common sense practical advice and support for people. There are very simple things you can do to stay safe, such as having and using good door and window locks. I want to make sure that it is clear who you would go to for advice and help.
“This will be backed by a new GB pound 20 million fund dedicated to offer practical support to people and a new GB pound 1.6 million crime prevention marketing campaign that will begin this month.”
The summit saw police, the Association of British Insurers, Age Concern, Citizens Advice Bureau and Norwich Union and the Home Secretary discuss practical measures to help keep crime down.
