A SUCCESSFUL scheme to combat domestic violence over Christmas is to be run again in Luton this year, Beds Police has confirmed.
Last year’s pilot scheme saw the police using offender management techniques originally developed to fight gangs and gun crime to reduce the risk of domestic abusers re-offending.
The ten top offenders in Luton did not commit a single offence, domestic abuse-related or otherwise, over Christmas last year. The scheme involves officers maintaining communication with potential offenders, making home visits to warn them that the police are keeping an eye on them.
Det Insp Richard Wall, leading the initiative, said: “While Christmas is a time of great celebration, unfortunately it is also a period of the year when a significant number of homicides are related to domestic abuse and the risk factors for victims increase, especially where alcohol is involved,
“The scheme means that officers are trying to change the behaviour of domestic abuse offenders.
“By using this direct and targeted method we believe that if we have managed to cause a single person to think twice and change their behaviour, then we have achieved our aim.
“I would reassure anyone who faces domestic abuse or anyone knows someone who is a victim to contact the police. We can help and if they do not wish to speak to an officer direct we can put them in touch with organisations outside the policing family who can offer advice and practical support.”
If the scheme is succesful again this year it is likely to be rolled out across Bedfordshire.