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Kent has one of the lowest levels of recorded crime in the
country. Government figures show that burglary and vehicle crimes
and levels of drug offences and fraud have continued to fall in the
county over the past ten years
Violent crimes, especially those carried out in public places,
are often linked to alcohol consumption. We have been working to
reduce the risk of public disorder in our town centres by improving
lighting, making good use of CCTV cameras, which are now linked to
the Kent Police Force Communications Centre, and ensuring there is
better public transport after closing hours.Many towns in Kent have
received 'Safer Shopping' awards since the introduction of the Kent
Retail Crime Initiative.
We have also been working to increase public trust and
confidence in policing, especially in minority and ethnic
communities. We have increased access to sport and leisure
facilities for young people so that there are healthy alternatives
to anti-social behaviour. Such initiatives also help us to keep
children in education and to reduce truancy and exclusion.We seek
to intervene early in young offenders' careers, by providing
innovative support and intensive programmes, to break persistent
patterns of offending. We also offer support to victims of domestic
violence and encourage them to report incidents. And we have
continued to expand the numbers and training skills of our
community wardens initiative.
Many local residents help us by joining Neighbourhood Watch
schemes or other voluntary organisations that help build strong
communities and reduce opportunities for crime. And individuals can
help themselves - and vulnerable neighbours - by making sure homes
are well protected. |