Hertfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner attended the launch of the Keep Safe campaign in Borehamwood.

The Keep Safe scheme aims to help residents with learning difficulties get help in an emergency when they are out and about in Borehamwood.

Shops that have signed up to the scheme display an orange ‘Keep Safe’ sticker which shows that they have agreed to allow people with learning difficulties to use their phone to call a parent, care worker or police officer in the case of an emergency.

Commissioner David Lloyd attended the event that was held at 96 Shenley Road yesterday afternoon.

He said he believes the scheme will help tackle hate-motivated crime towards those with learning difficulties.

He said: “Last year there were three hate crimes linked to disability in the county. Through my role as police and crime commissioner, I want to provide support for victims of these crimes and do everything we can to make them feel comfortable.

“Those with learning difficulties should be at the heart of the community and should be able to feel part of it, so I really think this is a great scheme.”

Staff and members of the Borehamwood Multi-purpose Day Centre worked with their Safer Neighbourhood Team to launch the scheme and establish appropriate locations for the stickers.

PCSO Chris Messetter only joined the joined the scheme about six months ago and said he was “gutted” that he didn’t join from the beginning.

Speaking at the launch, he said: “We are all really proud to be part of this campaign and I think we have made a big difference to these people’s lives. We meet them in town all the time and it is good to know that they know feel a lot safer when they go out.”

Businesses and local services interested in taking part in Keep Safe should visit the Keep Safe pages on Hertfordshire Constabulary’s website.