The Vale Housing Association, Thames Valley police, Oxfordshire Fire Service and other local organisations are joining together to hold a free workshop for Abingdon residents, providing essential advice on staying safe at home. The event, which is open to everybody, will be held at 10.30am until 1.00pm on Wednesday 18th January at the Fitzharrys Hall, Darrell Way, Abingdon.
The event will include displays and information about all aspects of community safety, including crime prevention, personal security and how to keep your home secure. People will be able to talk personally to experts for advice on crime prevention and safety techniques. Representatives from Trading Standards will also be present to advise people about their consumer rights, while Crime Reduction officers will give out guidance on forming Neighbourhood Watch groups.
The idea for the event arose through staff from different organisations discussing the common security issues that they had all come across through their work. Although Abingdon is not an area of high crime there have been problems in the past with distraction burgularies, where people illegally enter properties by pretending to be visiting to read the meter or through another plausible excuse. Organisers of the event hope that by giving people attending the event a realistic picture of the risks involved they can help them to combat crime.
Roger Bartlett, Deputy Specialist Services Manager at the Vale Housing Association commented, The organisations involved in organising this event have worked closely together to promote security issues. By holding events such as these we hope we can contribute to building a safer community for everyone.