New public information centre in Canterbury

Information about how to contact Crimestoppers is featured on a new public information pillar that has been installed in Canterbury city centre. [25 February 2011]

The pillar has three panels which will display safety and crime prevention messages, with the notices to be changed quarterly.

Initially the pillar (pictured below) will give details of where victims of domestic abuse can go for help, staying safe on a night out and how they can pass information about crime anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

The pillar is a Canterbury Community Safety Partnership initiative. It is the first Public Information Pillar in Kent, although other safety partnerships, police forces and organisations already have them in other parts of the country.

Located in St George's Lane

Ann Barnes, Chair of the Kent Police Authority, unveiled the pillar, which is situated in St George’s Lane, near to bus station and Fenwicks. Also attending the launch were the High Sheriff of Canterbury and Canterbury City Council’s portfolio holder for Community Safety councillor Peter Vickery-Jones.

Canterbury City Council’s Community Safety Manager Doug Rattray said: "We are always looking at new and creative ways to communicate with residents of Canterbury and the best ways to get community safety messages across to the public. This is in a central location with thousands of people walking by each day so the pillar will be seen by many people as they do their shopping and head to or from the bus station. The pillar is a great way to get people’s attention and give them information they need. We think it will be a very effective tool.

"The pillar will be regularly updated to address current community issues."

Useful information on display

Ann Barnes, Chair of Kent Police Authority, welcomed the initiative. She said: "We are always eager to make sure that people have as much information as possible to help them in their hours of need. There will be hundreds of people walking past the pillar everyday and I hope they will take the time to stop and read the information on display. This is a first for Kent Police and we are really pleased to be a part of this excellent new initiative."