Volunteers wanted to help fight crime

POLICE are searching for volunteers to become the first Community Safety Responders in Cheshire.
They will be expected to assist Crime Reduction Advisors in delivering practical safety measures and advice to victims of crime in their local community, as well as working with their community to implement crime prevention measures.
Initially, volunteers are being sought in the west of the county, but eventually Warrington and the rest of Cheshire will be covered.
Police and Crime commissioner John Dwyer (pictured) said: “I was discussing this matter with retired officer Graeme Andrews who implemented Britain’s first Home Watch in Mollington.
“I was inspired by the volunteer Community First Responders who have been working alongside the Ambulance Service for a number of years.
“They are all volunteers who are based in the community where they either live or work and therefore are able to attend the scene of an accident very quickly.
“I want to capture the enthusiasm and positive attitude that volunteers have and use that to help reduce the number of repeat victims of crime. “In return for a commitment of eight hours per month, volunteers will be given valuable skills that they can use in other areas of their life such as personal safety and conflict management.”
Jenny Ford from Cheshire Police’s Communities Unit said: “Having local volunteers involved in crime prevention will help to develop knowledge about crime prevention measures locally.
“Sharing information and giving practical advice about ways in which a community can improve safety can make a real difference to the levels of crime and anti-social behaviour being committed in their area.”
The volunteers will receive training and work with established community groups such as Home Watch.
For a full description of the role, visit the ‘Current Vacancies’ section of the Cheshire Police website http://www.cheshire.police.uk/jobs.aspx