South Yorkshire People United Against Crime - Portfolio of Activities 1996

South Yorkshire People United Against Crime

In Partnership With

One of People United Against Crime's first projects was a security guide for local firms. The 30 page guide proved enormously popular and 5,000 were distributed throughout South Yorkshire. The contents provided an easy to use guide to check how effective a company's security systems were. Tackling business crime has become an enduring theme for People United Against Crime and we currently operate a number of ground breaking projects to assist businesses. People United Against Crime has continually championed the cause of more support for local firms to tackle crime, because crime is not only a strain on profitability but also a brake on the regeneration of the county.

Lauched in People United Against Crime's first year of operation, SYPADS aims to help the parents and carers of drug users. Initially founded to set up and support self-help groups of parents and carers, SYPADS was asked to respond to demand by establishing a telephone helpline. Following a feasibility study and a search for funding, the helpline opened in March 1998. It was staffed by a team of 25 trained volunteers who provided emotional and practical support to callers

Another of People United Against Crime's very first projects was sponsored by Yorkshire Electricity. The aim was to provide vulnerable groups with low energy light bulbs that could be left on in homes when the owners were out. Leaving a light on in a home when the owners are out is a well established deterrent to burglars since it gives the impression that the house is occupied. Demand far exceeded all expectations and almost 18,000 light bulbs were distributed. The distribution of the light bulbs was done on People United Against Crime's behalf by the Library Services across the county.