A POLICE chief has vowed to focus on improving the lives of vulnerable victims of crime.

Chief Insp Glen Westley, district commander for the area, has launched a new initiative with the help of Castle Point Association of Voluntary Services (CAVS).

The plan is to offer additional support to victims of burglaries, robberies and assaults.

The joint venture aims to give victims a place to turn once police have identified that they are especially vulnerable or need extra support.

It is hoped that the referrals can help the victims turn their lives around and increase their confidence.

Mr Westley told how he has already referred 18 people to the voluntary services.

He said: “We have now got a proper arrangement in place that when we deal with victims of crime and we notice that they are vulnerable in any way then we get in touch with CAVS.

“We refer them so that they can get external help from the voluntary sector.

“They have links to 130 organisations, which deal with a whole range of issues.”

The 18 victims were referred to CAVS after officers spotted signs of vulnerability.

He said: “Lots of things could be a warning sign for us - perhaps officers see that the house is in a real mess or if the victim speaks to them about money worries.

“Or perhaps security is an issue?

“We need to think about how we can prevent them from becoming a victim again.

“The victims of crime that we come across can suffer from loneliness or be drug or alcohol dependant.”

Janis Gibson, chief executive of CAVS, said the scheme was now part of the association’s Ways to Wellness scheme,.

his primarily aims to connect people with helpful and appropriate volunteer groups within the community.

She said: “The purpose is all about giving people the opportunity to improve their health and wellbeing by introducing them into their community to the right people.

“Our programme can help them with anything really.

“Perhaps an older gentleman has lost his partner and is feeling isolated and lonely, we can link him up with a gardening or lunch club.

“It is an important aspect of the police’s job to try and support these people.

“The police want to make sure that these people have continued support.”

Anybody who feels they need the help of the Castle Point Association of Voluntary Services is asked to email wellness@castlepointavs.org.uk.

Alternatively you can call 01268 638405.