A new scheme to help people who are vulnerable or have a disability in King’s Lynn launched by Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner on Monday, December 16.
Norfolk Safer Places is adapted from a national project called The Safe Place Scheme and helps to give people who are vulnerable or have a disability a safe place they can go if they feel they need it. The project in King’s Lynn is to be the sixth in the county, as it was first introduced in Cromer in December 2012, then this year by Dereham, Gorleston, Attleborough and Fakenham.
People who are vulnerable or have a disability can sign up to the scheme. Once signed up they receive a card on which they put their name with the telephone numbers of two nominated contacts. The contacts could be a family member, friends or a carer.
If anyone signed up to the scheme whilst out and about finds themselves in need of assistance for any reason such as feeling harassed, bullied, scared or lost they are able to go into any of the nominated ‘Safer Places’ for assistance.
The scheme was launched and funded by Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Stephen Bett, who said: “This is a brilliant scheme involving communities supporting their more vulnerable members; it has gone from strength to strength since it was first set up in Cromer a year ago. Having met with some of the people who have used the scheme in other areas, I know that the scheme makes them feel safer and gives them more confidence to go out and about in their local areas. I would like to give my thanks to the volunteers and community police that support the scheme and have helped make it such a success.”
The launch is also supported by Norfolk Constabulary, West Norfolk Voluntary and Community Action (WNVCA) and Forward Day Centre in Kings Lynn. The launch event at Sainsbury’s in the town was attended by a representative from the new Safer Places with Norfolk Police and Crime Commissioner, Deputy Mayor Councillor Barry Ayres, Norfolk Police Superintendent Carl Edwards and members of the King’s Lynn North Safer Neighbourhood Team.
Some 35 premises in King’s Lynn town centre and the surrounding area have so far agreed to be a ‘Safe Place’ and they include: Sainsbury’s, Youngsters World, libraries in Gaywood and London Road, The Globe Hotel, Borough Council offices coffee shop, Lloyds Bank, HSBC and the British Heart Foundation shop.
In the town meanwhile Norfolk Police officers, and the Hardwick industrial estate are patrolling to tackle thefts from shops and other crimes, such as purse thefts which can increase during busy periods. Chief Inspector David Buckley, said: “Shoplifting offences historically rise during the weeks approaching Christmas and in previous years we have had some success in catching offenders through our seasonal campaign to target thieves.”
In the past month 28 arrests have been made in the town for shoplifting and retail related offences such as purse snatching. Many of these are of known prolific shoplifters. King’s Lynn Safer Neighbourhood teams plan to build on these positive results over the coming weeks.
“We’ll be out in force in the run up to the festive season, working closely CCTV operators, local retailers and security staff around the town to deter and catch thieves so those coming into King’s Lynn can enjoy their shopping.”
“My message to shoppers would be to stay vigilant and keep you bags shut, and to the thieves, stay away because we will be out in force!” CI Buckley added.
Last week officers from King’s Lynn town centre met with retailers at the town’s Retail Shrinkage Group to discuss the recent arrests and how they can work together to continue this success.
Retail crime Sgt Trevor Smith, who works closely with retailers commented; “Christmas is the busiest time of year for retailers in the town so it’s important that we communicate well with each other to ensure shoplifting and other retail crime is tackled effectively. Retailers know we are out in force at the moment and working together we greatly increase our chance of catching offenders.”
Marks and Spence Store manager, Paul Rich, and member of the Retail Shrinkage Group commented “Marks and Spencer are pleased to support the Police and the Retail Shrinkage Group with this campaign. This year has seen more successful than ever and sends out a clear message to shoplifters. This campaign has helped to create a safer and more pleasurable shopping environment for customers. We would like to thank the Police, Council and fellow Retailers for their ongoing support in making Kings Lynn a better place to shop.”
