Plan to Prevent Crime and Harm puts Communities Centre-Stage
A pioneering new blueprint has been unveiled, outlining the collaborative efforts of key safety partners across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland to prevent crime and harm.
The Prevention Strategy 2025-29 has been formally agreed upon by Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Rupert Matthews and Leicestershire Police.
This strategy aligns with one of the core objectives of the PCC’s new Police and Crime Plan 2024-29. It endorses a comprehensive approach to policing that prioritises identifying and addressing the underlying causes of crime, anti-social behaviour (ASB), and vulnerability.
It is the first time in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland that a joint prevention strategy has been developed. There are also designated resources to focus on evidence-based, partnership driven projects that make a tangible difference to peoples’ lives.
The strategy empowers communities to play a pivotal role in the PCC’s mission to build safer, healthier and more prosperous neighbourhoods. It also vows to provide them with the tools needed to identify and deliver localised solutions to help people thrive.
Focus on Prevention
Both the Office of the PCC and the Force have focused on prevention for several years. His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services’ (HMICFRS) 2023-25 PEEL recognised these strengths in their inspections.
HMICFRS praised the launch of the force’s pioneering Prevention Directorate which it said delivered an ‘impressive range of activity, projects and functions.’
The strategy aims to build on this success with even greater emphasis on collaboration.
Mr Matthews said: “Prevention is the golden thread running throughout the Police and Crime Plan. The holistic approach set out in this strategy pulls together all the action necessary for achieving my mission to build safer and more prosperous communities.”
“Without a strong emphasis on prevention, policing becomes a cycle of reacting to incidents without ever addressing the underlying issues. This is simply not feasible in a world where policing budgets are seriously overstretched, and services under demand.”
“By effectively stopping crime before it happens, we protect victims from trauma and reduce the risk of issues spiralling and ruining lives. We also ease pressure on our overworked public services while helping to improve the quality of life in our communities.
I want to commission the most effective services from those best places to provide them. This means tapping into the assets, knowledge and experience that abounds in our communities. As well as equipping them with even more. To implement proven interventions that meet the needs of our communities and do exactly what they promise. Building safer and more prosperous communities must be a team effort. One in which we must all play a positive and dynamic role and together we will make a difference.”
A word from T/Chief Constable
T/Chief Constable David Sandall said; “Leicestershire Police has invested in prevention for several years including a wide range of ground-breaking projects and programmes. And more recently the establishment of our Prevention Directorate, which has attracted national recognition and praise. Collaboration is key to success in prevention. Our joint working with the PCC/OPCC will assist in embedding our progress to date and further advancing our efforts to prevent crime and harm in our communities.”
Rupert Matthews, Police and Crime Commissioner, Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland
Letter to the Editor – Oct ’25
