VEHICLE theft and car crime have been drastically reduced by car park schemes at Preston Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

Lancashire Police presented the Trust with three awards for the introduction of safety measures at Royal Preston Hospital, where on average, one car a week was being stolen.

During the hole of 1998, however, just two vehicles were stolen from the hospital - a 96 per cent drop.

Secured car parking certificates for the visitors car park, staff car park and radiotherapy unit car park, were presented by Superintendent Karen Hives to trust chairman Brian Booth.

The hospital is the first NHS site in Lancashire to receive an award under the Secured Car Parks Scheme, which encourages car park owners to incorporate security measures in their developments to reduce the opportunity for, and the fear of, crime.

Brian Booth said: "We are delighted to receive these awards. The car park areas are safer places than ever before and they are secure places.

"They offer a more pleasant and reassuring environment for our patients and our staff.

"The Trust retains overall management and co-ordination of the scheme and determines the priorities for the reinvestment of the income collected.

"This requires paying significant attention to establishing quality systems, making regular inspections and taking into account customers' views."

Howard Jackson, the trust's assistant director of facilities, worked with PC Kristine Boss from Preston police and John Wainscott, the scheme's regional development manager, to bring the car parks up to standard.

Howard added: "When we refer to 'car parking' it is really a short-hand term for a wide range of activities.

"These include traffic management, CCTV coverage across the sites, provision of disabled spaces, landscaping and an escort service to get people to their cars - something particularly welcomed by our night staff.

"We are very proud that the hard work of our staff have improved the environment around the hospital for patients and staff."

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