A CRIME reduction event run by a national charity will come to Plymouth later this year.

Redeeming Our Communities (ROC) hosts projects and partnerships across the UK and a major showcase for Devon and Cornwall will take place at Plymouth Pavilions on October 20.

Up to 2,500 people will see a multimedia and stage presentation highlighting examples of partnership work between voluntary, faith and statutory agencies, alongside the police, probation and fire services. There will also be live music, dance and drama acts, in an evening celebrating the good work done by many individuals and organisations to bring about positive change in their communities.

Debra Green, national director of ROC said: "The aim of Redeeming our Communities is to be a catalyst for community transformation.

"The recent looting and riots on the streets of many of the UK's towns and cities has brought into sharp focus the breakdown of community.

"Plymouth did not experience the disturbances seen elsewhere in the country, but Devon and Cornwall Police were deployed in troubled areas where they were greatly appreciated.

"The ROC event is one way in which we can encourage and thank our police and other services, as well as promote partnerships which open up more opportunities for crime and disorder reduction, and more goodwill in our communities."

Paul Netherton, assistant chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: "The ROC event in Plymouth is a fantastic opportunity for community organisations and faith groups to join the police in seeing how we can make a difference in people's lives. It is a chance for us to develop ideas, and build partnerships. We have seen how even small groups such as the Street Pastors can make a real difference to what happens in our towns and cities, especially late at night."

Assistant chief fire officer Trevor Stratford added his support saying the ROC initiative provided the fire service and others an "excellent opportunity" to engage with local people and help make a real difference.

For more information about the event visit the website www.roc.uk.com.

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