Guidance on crime protection for vulnerable adults published

The Home Office has published guidance on how vulnerable adults and those with learning difficulties can protect themselves from crime.

The 'Keep Safe' booklet contains advice on how to keep safe when at home and outside alone, including tips on using public transport and cash machines.

It also deals with bullying, attacks and mugging, which the Home Office said often went unreported to the police, and gave advice on where to go for help and how to report incidents to the police.

Fifteen thousand copies of the booklet will be distributed by Mencap, Voice UK and the National Forum for People with Leaning Disabilities.

The Home Office said that a recent survey found that one in three people with learning difficulties did not feel safe in their homes, local areas or using public transport. One in ten had also been a victim of crime in 2004.

Commenting on the new booklet, Home Office Minister Hazel Blears said: "For vulnerable adults and people with learning disabilities such crime can be an especially harrowing experience. Some criminals see people as an easy target and take advantage of them in a way they would not with other groups.

"The booklet aims to tackle that and encourage more vulnerable adults to take steps to protect themselves from crime and deter those who try to exploit them. Whether it is harassment, assault or theft, I want more people in this group to continue to come forward and report crimes to the police and to get help when they need it."

Kathryn Stone, Chief Executive of Voice UK, said: "Voice UK welcomes all publications that promote safety for people with learning disabilities; we hope that this booklet will support many people to be more aware of crime that is often targeted at them, just because they have learning difficulties."

(KMcA/CD)