An interactive ‘Safer Home’ store with technology to help you prevent and report crime opened its doors at Bluewater on Wednesday, July 26. The store on Upper Thames Walk recreates rooms in a home and let you experience how you can protect yourself and your families from becoming a victim of crime. Kent Police officers are on hand; and a private space at the back of the store lets you discuss sensitive issues including domestic abuse.
A touch-screen kiosk gives you access to interactive crime maps and safety advice. A games station has been set up to show how social networking functions in video games work as well as how to spot the signs of grooming. The games station can also be used for enterainment while parents and guardians speak to officers.
Chief Constable Alan Pughsley said: ‘I am passionate that officers and staff engage with you as much as possible. This is a fantastic new facility that will give you the opportunity to learn more about crime prevention, direct access to services as well as the chance to discuss any issue, no matter how sensitive, with one of my officers. I would like to thank Bluewater for their support in helping us deliver this new facility. It is a very cost effective way of supporting my vision for Kent being a safe place in which to live, work and visit.
The cost to set up the store has been shared between Kent Police and Bluewater with Kent Police contributing £8,500. Matthew Scott, Kent’s Police and Crime Commissioner said: ‘Crime prevention is so important, that’s why I’m committed to supporting innovation like this which lets peope know some of the easy things they can do around the home to protect themselves and their property.’
