Lancaster University students have been congratulated on their contribution to fighting crime in the local area. A project called SAFE, established in partnership with the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime (LANPAC), brings together student volunteers, the local elderly and vulnerable residents to work towards fighting doorstep crime.
Student volunteers raise awareness about the possibilities of doorstep crime as part of the project. LANPAC has recently dedicated over £1400 to support student volunteers. The money will reinforce efforts to reduce crime by installing equipment to help prevent doorstep crime, including door bars, spy holes, and other security equipment. Around 500 vulnerable citizens have already been made to feel safer thanks to student volunteers and LANPAC, who finance the scheme.
The LUSU Vice President for Academic Affairs, Richard Clark, praised the work that LANPAC does in the Lancaster area. He said that ‘the work it does is invaluable for the local community,’ and that LANPAC has made a ‘positive difference’ for student welfare, both in the city centre and on campus.
Student welfare has also been the key aim of the Easy Tiger campaign. LANPAC has worked alongside Lancaster University to put this scheme, which aimed to raise awareness about the risks of drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, into motion The Easy Tiger project also worked to reduce anti-social behaviour in Lancaster city centre. The project was supported by Lancaster Police and LUSU, as well as pubs and clubs in the city centre, all of whom have come together to make Lancaster a safer place for students and local residents alike.
The manager of LANPAC, Ian Groundwater, said that ‘[they] are extremely grateful for the support that Lancaster University has provided over the last 20 years,’ highlighting the difficulty of addressing local concerns, which has subsequently been avoided due to the support of LANPAC’s members.
The success of the crime-fighting schemes was reiterated by the Lancaster University Security Operations Manager, Mark Salisbury, who said: ‘the commitment shown by all involved in these projects spanning 20 years has made a huge difference in terms of personal safety, crime reduction, and perhaps more importantly reassurance for so many.’ Salisbury particularly congratulated the Easy Tiger scheme, pointing out the substantial difference that he had seen when students were socialising in the city centre.
Following the success of both SAFE and the Easy Tiger project, LANPAC now plans to work with Lancaster University to reduce cycle thefts on campus.
