The 大象传媒 in the Midlands joined the coverage of Cracking Crime Day on Wednesday 18 September with a series of reports looking at individuals and groups, who have taken action to tackle the problems of crime at a grassroots level.
Cracking Crime Day was one of the largest multi-media events ever undertaken by the 大象传媒 involving television, radio and online services across the UK.
Being a victim of crime, whether it's burglary, theft or violence or even just as a witness, is one of the most distressing things you can go through but there is help available.
The national charity Victim Support is on hand to guide people through the emotional and practical problems they face when confronted with crime.
The Government recently doubled the Victim Support grant to 拢26m and in 2000-01, this allowed the charity to:
脴 contact 1.5 million victims through local community schemes
脴 aid 219,000 victims and witnesses through its Crown Court Witness Service
脴 help 148,000 victims and witnesses at the magistrates' courts (this service was not operational in every court until April 2002 and the figure is likely to increase considerably this year)
脴 deal with 20,000 calls through its national support line
听| 听 |  | Keeping windows secure can keep burglars out
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The main trend since 1995 has been a decrease in domestic burglary, including attempted burglary.
The British Crime Survey shows overall domestic burglary has fallen by 23% since 1999.
Although this is good news, even one burglary is too many and there are things you can do to stop the cycle.
Ensure your house is always secure, even if you are asleep inside the house windows and doors should be locked.
Find out about property marking schemes to discourage thieves from taking your valuables.
You could also speak to the crime prevention officer at your local police station to get advice on how to keep the burglars away.
听Coventry is one of a handful of places around the country that has been selected for car crime-busting initiatives.
| 听 |  | Police are working to make people aware of crime prevention
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A series of pilot projects to give car crime prevention advice have been used, or will be used, in the city. These target people whose cars had been stolen, who have left items on display or who live in areas suffering high levels of "thefts from" offences.
The aim is to stamp out car crime by enpowering drivers to limit the risk of crime themselves.
The schemes make sure drivers keep valuables locked away out of sight and lock up their vehicles when they step out, like when they pay for petrol. These and other sensible steps make crime much more difficult for thieves.
听Warwickshire police have recently launched an awareness scheme which aims to cut down crime by diminishing the demand for stolen goods.
The force's deputy chief constable, Roger Aldridge, appealed to members of the public not to buy goods they believe may be stolen.
To get this message across the force launched the "We don't buy Crime - Breaking the Circle" campaign.
One of the aims is to target criminals who fund their drug habit by repeatedly offending.
For more on crime initiatives, like a text message scheme for the hearing impaired, and more on Cracking Crime Day, follow the links on the left.
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