Community safety boost

Victims of domestic violence are among those benefiting thanks to a £11,000 grant to buy practical gadgets to help keep people safe.

Blaby District Council received the funding from Leicestershire's Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. It is paying for items such as video doorbells for victims of ASB and domestic abuse, light timers and reflective cycle packs as well as funding event street marshals. 

The Police and Crime Commissioner, Rupert Matthews, holds a budget to support the Council’s Community Safety Partnership by bidding for funding to support campaigns.

Mr Matthews visited the Council offices recently to meet with the Community Safety Team. He learned how the money is helping the authority meet its Community Safety targets of supporting and protecting people, preventing serious violence and reducing offending and reoffending.  

Councillor Les Phillimore, Blaby District Council Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, said: "We are grateful to the Commissioner for his support. Without this funding we would not have been able to buy these items. A video doorbell or bicycle reflector may seem small and mundane but they can have a big impact on keeping someone safe.

"We are also funding street marshals for events in Blaby town centre, including the Christmas lights switch-on. Their presence aims to provide feelings of safety and reassurance for residents as well as preventing escalation of any disorder where possible. This alleviates demand on police colleagues, who would naturally attend if required."

Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews said: "Prevention is the overarching theme of my Police and Crime Plan and an approach I will continue to prioritise to deliver on my ambition for safer communities. Not only does it reduce the number of people impacted by crime, but it also lessens the demand on our police officers and staff.

"Blaby residents will benefit from these safety measures, which have been proven effective elsewhere and I hope they feel safer as a result."

Many of the items will be handed out to the public during events held to highlight awareness weeks and upcoming Celebrate Safely sessions as we head into the festive season. 

Notes to Editors 

Blaby town centre Christmas lights switch-on is Friday 28 November.

Councillor Les Phillimore
Portfolio Holder for Community Safety