Voluntary groups in Castle Point have been praised by the Home Office for helping to build a crime reduction strategy.

Christine Butler MP praised the "landmark legislation" of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 which involves police and the council working together with agencies and voluntary groups to tackle crime.

Home office minister Paul Boateng MP explained how it would work during a debate in the House of Commons - and he also gave congratulations to the efforts being made in the borough.

Mr Boateng said: "My message to the organisations working with the elderly and the vulnerable is to thank them for all that they are doing.

"Their views and their concerns will be taken up in the audits that underpin the crime prevention and reduction partnerships and will be carried forward in the strategies.

"They have a vital role to play in ensuring that the elderly and the vulnerable, who are most likely to be the victims of crime, are properly protected."

Mrs Butler added: "I found the minister's reply most encouraging and my response to such voluntary bodies is that we shall be paying great care and attention to what they have to say.

"All those voluntary groups who promote the interests of the vulnerable deserve our support and appreciation."

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