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A national search for the most innovative crime fighting projects has been launched today by Crime Prevention Minister, James Brokenshire.

The Tilley Awards, now in their thirteenth year, recognise crime fighting projects where police, community safety groups and the public work together to tackle problems identified by their local communities. There is a £2,000 prize for the winning project.

Minister for Crime Prevention James Brokenshire said:

"The Tilley Awards are recognised across the world for highlighting the very best of British crime fighting.

"They show that when police, councils, charities and the public work together they can make the real, positive changes local communities want to see.

"Finalists last year included countless great examples of what can be achieved when communities are empowered to come up with local solutions to local problems - I look forward to seeing this year's entries."

Projects designed to tackle anti-social behaviour, violence against women and girls, burglary, drug and alcohol related crime, criminal damage and arson have until 13 June 2011 to submit their entries. Projects that have used community activism, 'designing out' crime techniques, have been led by non-police agencies and projects that have tackled seasonal crime, must submit entries by 5 September 2011.

All entries must demonstrate that they have adopted a real partnership approach involving both the local community and key agencies. More than 110 projects entered last year's competition. The winner, Operation Uncanny, led to the closure of 25 brothels and crack houses and lower levels of prostitution in Northampton.

For more information on how to enter visit:
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime/partnerships/tilley-awards/

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NOTES TO EDITORS

1. The Tilley Awards were set up in 1999 and are named after Professor Nick Tilley, who has carried out considerable work in the UK, often commissioned by the Home Office, to develop problem-oriented policing. The awards are funded by the Home Office to encourage and spread best practice in crime fighting approaches across England and Wales.

2. A series of regional road shows will be run to support those wishing to enter. A summary of last year's finalists and details on how to enter this year's awards can be found at:
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime/partnerships/tilley-awards/

3. Projects entering into the Tilley Awards are expected to provide at least one
year's worth of data to demonstrate that they have had a sustained impact
on the problem that they were addressing.

4. For more information ring the Home Office Press Office.

Contacts:

Home Office Press Office
Phone: 020 7035 3535
NDS.HO@coi.gsi.gov.uk