Safety scheme helping protect homes is hailed
2,500 PRODUCTS RECEIVED TO KEEP TOWN BURGLARS AT BAY
A SAFETY project that has helped protect 266 Hinckley homes from the risk of burglary and theft has been praised.
Since the launch of the Safer Streets 2 project last summer, security experts have visited hundreds of residents in the town to carry out free risk assessments as part of a plan to increase safety and prevent crime.
In total, Hinckley residents received 2,500 free security products over the 10-month project ranging from new locks, window alert alarms, light timers and door bar/chains, while 155 received bicycle/vehicle packages to protect them from theft.
In addition, residents received a Personal Attack Alarm and a Property Marking Kit.
Rupert Matthews, the Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “The scheme has been a phenomenal success and it is rewarding for all involved to hear about the positive impact these improvements have had on confidence, peace of mind and feelings of safety.
“Our partners 24-7 Locks Ltd and Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council have worked relentlessly to ensure our communities receive the full benefit of this funding, with 24-7 Locks Ltd in particular delivering a huge programme of works within a challenging time-frame.
“Preventing crime was always a key aim of the scheme but we also set out to help free people of the fear of crime so they no longer felt apprehensive about leaving their homes.
“It is clear from feedback we’ve received these security products have improved confidence and safety considerably.
“There is always more to do, of course, and I will build on this progress with our partners in the near future, exploring every available funding opportunity to bring further improvements to our communities and reduce the risk of street crime.”
Councillor Michael Mullaney, Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council’s lead member for community safety, said: “It’s great so many people in the Hinckley area were able to take up the offer of these free security devices. I spoke to many who took up this offer and were very pleased with the results.
“Thanks to 24/7 locks who provided a first-class service. Keeping safe and secure is a key issue for many people in the Hinckley area and I’m glad this scheme was available to make people and their properties more secure.
“At a time when finances are a struggle for many people it’s good that many people in Hinckley have been able to benefit from these free devices.”
The Safer Streets 2 project has been funded by a £432,000 grant secured by Mr Matthews following a successful bid to the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund. This was topped up by a further £50,000 grant from the Home Office in January to expand the security scheme, some of which was used to fund vehicle and bicycle security packages in Hinckley.
Together, it has funded security upgrades to more than 1,000 homes across the areas of Castle Donington, Hinckley, Lutterworth and Melton - areas impacted by disproportionate levels of serious acquisitive crimes such burglary, robbery and theft. Alongside free home improvements, the scheme has funded new police automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras and additional CCTV as well as enhanced streetlighting in some areas.