Violent assaults in Northampton have dropped by around two-thirds after church volunteers took to the streets.
The volunteers, known as street pastors, have been working in conjunction with local police officers since 2008, and in the twelve months to March this year there were 38 violent incidents recorded.
This is a significant drop from the previous year when there were 110 recorded violent incidents.
Reassuring
Reverend Mark Lees, the architect of the scheme, said: “I think it is reassuring for people to see somebody else there that’s obviously involved and cares.”
Earlier this year it was revealed that prayer was helping Devon and Cornwall police tackle crime.
Detection
Churchgoers in the Barnstaple area were asked to pray that crime detection rates, which were then at 26 per cent, would increase.
And in February it was revealed that the detection rates had risen to 40 per cent, one of the highest in the country.
Inspector Roger Bartlett attributed the increase in local crime detection rates and the capture of a prolific burglar to the prayers of local churchgoers.
Faith
He said: “Clearly, many who do not have the faith would say that this is just coincidence”.
“From my experience, the more I pray, the more coincidences I seem to see”, he commented.
His comments were echoed by Assistant Chief Constable Paul Netherton of Devon and Cornwall Police who said: “Whether you believe in the power of prayer or not, the fundamental issue is that there are people out there caring about society.”