Hundreds more homes benefit from PCC’s free security scheme
More than 400 extra householders have benefitted from free security upgrades to deter burglars in the latest phase of a crime prevention project funded by Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews.
Two further Prevent and Protect events have been hosted in the Charnwood area in recent weeks, each attracting hundreds of residents.
They are part of an ongoing programme of events organised by the PCC’s team as part of a £20k investment project aimed at reducing vulnerability in areas where data suggests an increased risk of burglary.
The first event took place at Gorse Covert Centre in Loughborough for householders residing in postcodes LE11 4 and LE11 5 and was followed by a further event at Elizabeth Park Sports Centre in Thurmaston for those living within the LE4 8 and LE7 2 postcodes.
In all, approximately 430 homes were provided with free security upgrades to reduce the opportunity for criminality as part of the two events. These included video doorbells, CCTV cameras and solar lights.
The events were supported by partners from Charnwood Borough Council’s Community Safety Team and Leicestershire Police.
In a snapshot survey, 99% of residents reported that the initiative had increased their feelings of safety.
Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews said:
“The trauma of burglary can last a lifetime, and impacts victims in so many ways from their mental health and wellbeing, their sense of safety and confidence and their relationships. Preventing such crimes before they happen not only avoids this emotional harm but has a much wider impact on communities, helping people to feel better about where they live and their overall risk of crime.
“Prevent and Protect is about putting resources where they are needed most and where they can have the biggest impact on safety. Residents are really behind the project, as evidenced in recent feedback.
“Stopping crime before it happens is an approach that is central to my Police and Crime Plan. Already, hundreds of homes have benefitted from this scheme, and I would continue to urge residents in eligible areas to take up the opportunity of protecting their homes with this free equipment and become part of the solution.”
The next areas to benefit from the scheme will be Hinckley and Bosworth District Council and Leicester City. Eligible residents will receive invitations to attend events.
Neighbourhood Crime is a key priority in the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan, with the Commissioner committed to investing funding into local communities for crime prevention activity.
