Videos help to protect against crime

A new series of videos has been launched to help residents feel less anxious and better protected.

A spokesman for Horsham District Council, which is leading the initiative, said that while the district as a whole experiences relatively low crime levels and is considered one of the safest areas to live and work, there were still situations which arose that could leave people questioning their own safety and the safety of their families and friends.

The spokesman added: “The council’s latest campaign features a series of short videos about personal safety which aim to help reduce the chances of becoming a victim of crime by taking a few relatively simple precautions.”

Cabinet member for community matters and wellbeing, councillor Tricia Youtan, said: “As a local resident myself, I am very aware of how fortunate we are to live in such a safe and pleasant district with very low crime levels and a strong sense of community.

“Occasionally however, situations arise that cause us to question our safety and that of family and friends.

“As a council, we believe that it is important that local people have the opportunity to learn more about the steps they can take to protect themselves.

“We have therefore developed a series of short videos, which aim to help reduce the opportunity of becoming a victim of crime.

“I encourage you to keep an eye out for the videos on the council’s social media channels.”

Over the coming weeks a number of videos about personal safety will be released.

They include an introduction to people’s legal rights to protect themselves from harm and a brief look at a variety of different selfdefence disciplines delivered across the county.

The series concludes with some general therapeutic advice on managing anxiety around the fear of violence and provides links to organisations which can support those who have been subjected to violence, the spokeswoman said.

The personal safety campaign was initiated and developed by the council’s Southwater based Neighbourhood Wardens Jacquie Cave and Dominic Woodhead.

View the videos as they are released at www.horsham.gov. uk/personalsafety

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