- Message in a Bottle
- Neighbourhood Wardens
- CCTV
- EPIC Cards
- Validate Proof of Age
- Safe Child
- Bogus Callers
- Other Innovative Projects
Message in a Bottle
The free 'Message in a Bottle' scheme now has over 6,000 plus bottles in fridges around the District helping people feel safer in their own homes.
The scheme is for use by anyone who feels vulnerable while living at home, provides emergency services with vital details of any illness or allergy and provides them with a contact name if they are called to your home.
Participants in the 'Message in a Bottle' scheme put a marker on the inside of their door and on the fridge to advise that they take part in the scheme. A plastic bottle is stored in the inside of the fridge containing personal details, their doctor's details and who to contact in an emergency.
The emergency services and social services are aware of the scheme so that when entering the premises they can identify that there is information available should the person they are dealing with be unconscious or disorientated. Letters have been received from both users of the scheme and family members saying how much more secure they feel as a result of the scheme.
To Obtain Bottles: Please contact Sallie Gleed on 01453 754276, fax 01453 754934 or e-mail
Alternatively, a list of stockists of 'Message in a Bottle' can be found in our Frequently Asked Questions.
CCTV
The Community Safety team gained a Government Grant of £74,700 to add to the District Council, Police and CCTV Trust funds to improve CCTV by converting to colour, adding more cameras and improving street lighting.
E.P.I.C. Cards
The free Emergency Personal Information Cards can provide important contact information to assist identification in an emergency hospital admission or in any other emergency situation.
The card contains information on the person's name, two contact names in case of emergency, their GP's name and telephone number. The cards are to be carried in a purse or wallet.
The cards can be found free of charge at:
- Participating health centres
- Pharmacists
- Social Services Offices
- Libraries
- District Council Offices
Or to obtain E.P.I.C. cards, please contact Sallie Gleed on 01453 754276, fax 01453 754934 or e-mail
Validate Proof of Age Cards
Community Safety working with Trading Standards, the Youth Services and the Police have established a process for young people
- 12 - 15 yrs
- 16 - 18 yrs
- 18 yrs and over
to obtain 'Proof of Age' cards in order to purchase age related goods.
For more information, including an application form to apply for a card and a leaflet helping retailers and Licensees, visit the Validate UK webpage - www.validateuk.co.uk.
Forms can also be obtained at all senior schools in the District, major police stations of Stonehouse, Stroud and Dursley and at the Council's offices at Ebley Mill.
Contact the community safety team on 01453 754276, fax 01453 754934 or e-mail
Safe Child
The Safe Child scheme has been introduced within the district by Dr Fosters Theatre group and the Police. They have been visiting all the junior and infant schools and giving a presentation to the children on what to do if they are separated from their parents when shopping.
Bogus Callers
The Bogus Callers Helpline was originally launched by Cotswold, Forest of Dean and Tewkesbury District Councils. The Helpline utilises a phone line in the CCTV control room in Cirencester. Stroud District Council is now taking part in this initiative and contributing to the cost of the line. There is a national initiative around Bogus Callers, which Stroud District Council is running.
Bogus Callers - Sheltered Accommodation
All sheltered accommodation in the ownership of the Stroud District Council Housing Department will be provided with a mirror, door viewer and bar or chain to control access to all premises which accommodate older people and have single door access.
In addition to the door controls, selected schemes known to suffer from the intentions of bogus callers and other issues relating to Crime and Disorder issues will be provided with two cameras, a monitor and recorder as a starting point to providing CCTV surveillance.
Bogus Callers - Private Accommodation
Similar to above but in private accommodation and not including CCTV the persons receiving the benefits of the door chains, mirrors and viewers will be identified by Neighbourhood Watch Schemes across the District who will also be providing some of the funding.
Other Innovative Projects
- Mobile police stations called the "Bobby Bus". Comments from the visitor's book show that the bus has been successful in reducing the fear of crime.
- Safer estates - the Council uses its powers as a landlord to reduce crime and disorder for the benefit of Council tenants
- Secured by design - a scheme to bring crime prevention into the planning of new developments
- Domestic Violence Linkline - phones to help people feel less alone when subject to this crime
- Watch schemes - for rural areas. In addition to Neighbourhood Watch there is Horse Watch, Boat Watch, Shop Watch and Farm/Rural Watch.
For further information, please contact the Community Safety team
Email:
Tel: 01453754276
Fax: 01453754934
