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Police protect residents with safer homes funding >>

Officers from the Heywood Neighbourhood Policing team have been conducting crime prevention surveys across the town in a bid to reduce the number of Burglary offences at vulnerable peoples homes.

Officers have identified areas and visited residents to accertain what security measures they need. They have been accompanied by a locksmith from Timpsons who is able to fit the crime prevention equipment as soon as the survey has been completed. In just three days over 60 homes across the town have benefited so far from the project.

The surveys were conducted by PCSO Julie Jefferson on North Heywood on Monday 16th November, PCSO Simon Gregory on Hopwood ward on Tuesday 17th November and PCSO Gemma Ainsworth on West Heywood on Thursday 19th November.

Funding for the equipment and fitting was accessed by the Greater Manchester Police High Sherriffs Trust as the project is only accessable by community or voluntary groups.

Police Inspector Darrell Butterworth said, " All homes can benefit from additional security measures to make it more difficult for opportunists to break in. Funding is always an issue espescially for the elderly and vulnerable members of our town. I am grateful to the Greater Manchester High Sherriffs trust for accessing this funding stream so we have been able to help so many people to benefit from these extra security measures".

Pictured above: PCSO Julie Jefferson, Mike Kenyon (Timpson's locksmith), Insp Darrell Butterworth and Brian Farr Greater Manchester police Crime reduction advisor.

Further Information ...

Action Against Burglary in Rochdale aims to make vulnerable people more secure in their own homes and reduce the fear of burglary by increasing the situational security measures in vulnerable localities.

Research suggests that once a burglary has taken place the probability of a further burglary occurring within the immediate vicinity in the following weeks is highly likely.

Safer Homes Funding would allow, where appropriate, the existing ‘cocooning’ process to be implemented to a higher level.  For example ...

As is currently the practice, a burglary victim and their immediate neighbours would be visited and provided with crime reduction advice.  However, a successful bid would allow an eligible resident the opportunity to have their home upgraded to a basic level of security free of charge; thus further reducing the risk of repeat victimisation.

For residents wishing to take advantage of the opportunity, an external survey will be carried out to identify the equipment necessary to secure the home.  A completed requirements form will then be submitted to the Trust and an approved contractor commissioned to undertake the work.

The wider environment will also be considered to identify other areas of potential vulnerability that may be able to be addressed by the Police Crime Reduction Adviser, Architectural Liaison Department or Local Authority.  For example poor lighting, alleyways.

All residents will be provided with a pack containing ...

- crime reduction information sheets

- a leaflet from GM Fire and Rescue offering a free fire safety check

- a home security self-assessment form for use by residents not in the vulnerable categories covered by this Fund

- and details of their local policing team

If residents are not eligible through vulnerability for target hardening, the pack will still provide vital security advice and will assist in increasing community confidence within the area.