Not In Herefordshire Campaign

This campaign was launched in October 2008 and is aimed at reducing disproportionate fear of crime in Herefordshire, as there is currently an imbalance in people's fear of crime and the actual reality of crime.

Superintendent Kevin Purcell of Herefordshire Division, who is spearheading the campaign, explains the idea: "This county is already one of the safest places to live and work in the UK and West Mercia Police is acknowledged as being one of the best performing Police Forces in the country. We do recognise however that the fear of crime in Herefordshire is disproportionate to what is the reality. It is important that we do all we can to allay the fears of the people of Herefordshire.

"We aim to use 'Not In Herefordshire!' to show those who live and work in this beautiful county that their perception of crime and their fear of it is unfounded. People's fear of crime can be complex, influenced by who we are as individuals, what we see on the TV, in the media and by what goes on elsewhere in the world. This very rarely is linked to everyday life in Herefordshire.

"What we are encouraging people to do when they see headlines or listen to commentary on crime is to reflect on what is happening in their own street, village, town or city."

Since the start of the campaign, people in the county have seen a range of posters at various locations, with Local Policing Teams on hand at supermarkets, post offices, surgeries and other community facilities to get the message across using leaflets and displays. Large posters have appeared on the sides of buses, and on beer mats throughout the pubs and clubs of the county, reminding everyone that they are safe here and Herefordshire is a great place to be.

Supt Purcell continued: "House burglaries have more than halved over the past four years. That's good news for everyone and that should make us all feel safer. Overall levels of crime in Herefordshire have consistently dropped year on year for five years? Is crime getting worse? Not in Herefordshire!

"The HAND scheme, which stands for Herefordshire Against Night-Time Disorder, comprised of landlords and licensees from across the county, has joined with us in doing some great work in the past three years to reduce levels of violence and disorder in the pubs and clubs. Herefordshire is a safe place to enjoy a night out.

"Anti-social behaviour is also down across the county, some 6 per cent on last year.

"All these things we hope can mean that the people of Herefordshire can feel safe because they are safe. I know we can't hope to change every factor that influences the fear of crime but if we can help people to realise that in Herefordshire they are safe in their homes, at work and on a night out then that will be a tremendous step forward."