Northcliffe Electronic Publishing launches new website
- back to Home
- back to Media Centre
- Group News Releases
Wednesday 8 November 2000
A new website about crime in the UK has been launched by Northcliffe Electronic Publishing.
www.crimezone.co.uk is the third national website to be launched by staff based at the Derby Evening Telegraph. The project has been developed in partnership with Derbyshire police and is thought to be unique in the UK.
It reports on crime and crime issues around the country, linking stories to good advice on everything from securing your home against burglary and being safe on trains, to hiring a babysitter and what to do if you suspect your child is taking drugs.
"Some websites give crime prevention advice. Others carry crime reports. What makes us different is the way we combine the two," said site editor Peter Pheasant.
"And we're not just looking for 'bad' news. Up and down the country, there are innovative schemes to combat crime and they will feature heavily on the site.
"In the north-east, for example, farmers have cut crime with a highly-organised Farmwatch scheme.
"In Hull, the police have achieved spectacular results by turning a shopping container into a mobile "copshop" which visits crime-ridden estates.
"In Walsall, a humble caretaker has played a major part in driving drug-dealers and prostitutes out of his neighbourhood.
"These are just some of our early stories.
"We have articles on the work of bodies such as the National Crime Squad and the Youth Justice Board, a guide to crime museums and a searchable database of crime prevention officers throughout the UK.
"We'll cover Neighbourhood Watch activities around the country and our discussion forum will allow volunteers to talk to each other so that they can share good ideas and learn from mistakes.
"But we'll have a hard-news edge, too - we had a story and picture on the Millennium Dome diamond raid within two hours- and we're keen to publish appeals from any UK police force that might help to solve or prevent a crime."
Inspector Howard Frost, Derbyshire Constabulary's crime reduction officer, called the site "a very exciting development".
He said: "There are a few police/crime websites but this is the first and only one that has the resources of a major publishing company behind it. It's fresh, interesting, fast and up-to-date - a wonderful step forward."
Inquiries to:
Peter Pheasant 01332 291111 ext 6024
Howard Frost 01773 572223