New ‘personal safety’ campaign launched in Horsham

The council is sharing a new series of videos to help local residents feel less anxious and better protected in their local communities.

A spokesman said: “Whilst the Horsham district as a whole experiences relatively low crime levels and is considered one of the safest areas to live and work, there are still situations which arise that can leave local people questioning their own safety and the safety of their families and friends.”

The council’s campaign features a series of short videos about personal safety which aim to help reduce the chances of becoming a victim of crime by taking a few simple precautions.

Horsham Council cabinet member of community matters Tricia Youtan said: ““As a local resident myself, I am very aware of how fortunate we are to live in such a safe and pleasant district with very low crime levels and a strong sense of community.

“Occasionally however, situations arise that cause us to question our safety and that of family and friends.

“As a council, we believe that it is important that local people have the opportunity to learn more about the steps they can take to protect themselves.

“We have therefore developed a series of short videos, which aim to help reduce the opportunity of becoming a victim of crime.

“I encourage you to keep an eye out for the videos on the council’s social media channels.”

Over the coming weeks a number of videos will be released. They include an introduction to your legal rights to protect yourself from harm and a look at a variety of different self-defence disciplines delivered across the county.

The series ends with some general advice on managing anxiety around the fear of violence and provides links to organisations which can support those who have been subjected to violence.

The personal safety campaign was initiated and developed by the council’s Southwater based neighbourhood wardens Jacquie Cave and Dominic Woodhead.

Look for the films here: www.horsham.gov.uk/personalsafety