asked Her Majesty's Government:What is being done to increase the involvement of the public in crime prevention and to provide information on the steps that can be taken to reduce crime.

Following my right honourable friend's recent announcement of the safer cities programme, we today launched a major publicity campaign aimed at encouraging the public to work with the police to reduce crime. The campaign will cost about £3 million in its first phase, and is designed to run for three years. A free handbook which will give practical advice on a wide range of preventive measures is being made available on request. A copy of the handbook has been placed in the Library.