Bedfordshire Police Crime Commissioner sets aside cash to keep people safe during lockdown

PCC Kathryn Holloway is supporting Bedfordshire Police by introducing a range of initiatives to keep people safe during the coronavirus lockdown.

The measures include:

*Setting aside £60,000 as an accommodation fund for those needing emergency respite from domestic abuse

*Operating an emergency parcel delivery service for the most vulnerable elderly people

*Sourcing protective masks, aprons and anti-bacterial products to assist the force while a continuous supply chain of such items was being set up

*Opening up bids for £240,000 funding – particular for diversionary activities for young people in crime hotspots or targeted support for victims of crime via online contact.

Commissioner Holloway said: “For my part, I am acutely aware that domestic abuse rises in circumstances when people are in enforced contact. For this reason, I have set aside £60,000 as an accommodation fund for those needing emergency respite and my office has connected with our partners who run refuge and other support services so that they are aware of this.

“The Signpost victim support hub continues to work on the usual freephone number to offer support to those affected by crime, on 0800 0282 887. Callers are asked to leave a message and our specialist victim care coordinators will get back to them.

“My office is also operating an emergency parcel delivery service for the most vulnerable elderly people, identified by our charitable and grant funded partners, using the vehicles of the Bobby Van home security charity scheme in the first instance and Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has volunteered to continue to distribute the parcels if the regular staff are unable to do so.

“I am opening the remainder of my grants commissioning fund to bids as I had left a further £240,000 for my successor to distribute. I am particularly keen to hear from any organisation able to offer diversionary activities for young people in crime hotspots or targeted support for victims of crime via online contact, given the requirement for social distancing for the foreseeable future.”