This in from the Hampshire Constabulary. Ed
Today sees the launch of the Blue Lamp Trust, a charitable partnership between Hampshire Constabulary, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, local businesses and the communities of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
At an event signifying the beginning of this new project today (Thursday, 9 September), businesses will be able to learn more about the venture and pledge financial support.
The aims of the Trust are to reduce crime and the fear of crime within homes and businesses, to promote improved driving standards and road safety and educate on all aspects of fire safety and fire prevention.
Membership by donation
Businesses within Hampshire will be invited to join the Blue Lamp Trust by making a charitable donation. There are three possible membership packages; bronze (£500 annually), silver (£2,500 annually) or gold (£25,000 for five years).
In return for their donation, businesses will receive various benefits including involvement in a driver awareness scheme, which is currently used to improve the skills of those who have been involved in minor speeding offences. Additionally, they could utilise driver training sessions with experienced police trainers, either on the road, or in a simulator.
Quarter of traffic is business use
It is estimated that business drivers represent around 25% of all road users, however they make up 33% of those involved in accidents, so the advanced training for drivers will help businesses to secure the safety of their workforce.
Community grants are another option for pledges, where a donation of up to £5,000 will be match funded by the Blue Lamp Trust in order to support community projects that improve the quality of life for local residents and communities.
Supporting the Bobby Trust
One of the main functions of the Trust will be to fund the Bobby Trust. This is a service that has been in existence for 12 years, providing reassurance and security for victims of crime by fitting features such as door and window locks, burglar alarms and fire alarms.
This is a very valuable and well received service. One homeowner from Ringwood wrote to thank the Bobby Trust and said: “Your fitter provided help and encouragement after the unfortunate incident in my home. You have given me peace of mind.”
The Hampshire Police Authority has already committed to providing £75,000 during the first year of the Trust’s activities and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority has also contributed by funding an administration post for the first year.
Councillor Jacqui Rayment, Chair of Hampshire Police Authority, said: “The Police Authority is proud to be one of the founding members of the Blue Lamp Trust. Councillor Peter Kent Mason will be our representative on the board of trustees and we look forward to encouraging crime prevention initiatives which make Hampshire and the Isle of Wight even safer.”
Proven success
Similar schemes are already in existence in other areas of the country with measured success, such as those in the Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire constabulary areas.
Chief Constable Alex Marshall said: “This initiative is aimed at improving the safety and security for people in their homes, businesses and on the roads across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. We have already had considerable interest in the scheme and the future looks positive; by working in partnership we can continue to ensure that our counties are safe places to live, work and visit.”
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Officer, John Bonney, also commented on the initiative. He said, “We are pleased to be working in partnership with Hampshire Constabulary, local businesses, and the community to not only make Hampshire roads safer, but also, to help with fire prevention through improved education and awareness. During the current challenging economic climate it is more important than ever that we all work together to ensure we are creating safe communities and the Blue Lamp Trust helps us all to do just that.”
