A project which has reduced burglaries by up to 83 per cent in areas of Bewsey and Whitecross has been hailed a success by police and crime commissioner David Keane.
The commissioner visited the Safer Streets project in Bewsey and Whitecross earlier this week, after securing more than half a million pounds of government funding to get it off the ground last year.
The grant has been used by Cheshire Police over the past nine months to introduce measures proven to reduce burglary by up to 83 per cent in areas they’ve been implemented.
These measures include an individual security assessment for every property and the free roll-out of a SelectaDNA forensic coding spray liquid – an invisible dye placed on items inside the home such as jewellery, laptops and TVs, which can then be traced by specialist lighting and linked to specific incidents using a unique code.
As well as 1,728 homes being fitted with this unique crime-fighting tool, 632 homes have also had security devices fitted including door and window locks, gate padlocks and bolts, door chains, ring doorbells and solar security lights.
In addition, the area has seen increased street-lighting, locked gates around alleyways, new fencing and the installation of CCTV, including two sites at the subway on Wellfield Street and another on Bewsey Park.
Mr Keane spoke about the success of the scheme during his visit: “Cheshire Police and has worked tirelessly to guarantee the safety of residents living in Bewsey and Whitecross.
“From PCSOs knocking on more than 5,000 doors and speaking to homeowners about the free DNA marking tool, to the increase in safety measures such as CCTV in hot-spot sites for anti-social behaviour, drug dealing and criminal damage, the work involved has been incredible.
“I’m certain that these new measures will allow the areas to follow in the footsteps of other areas which have seen a huge reduction in acquisitive crimes such as burglary, vehicle theft and robbery.”
Inspector Ruth Atherton, leading the Safer Streets project for Warrington, said: “This was a great opportunity for the Safer Streets team to meet the police and crime commissioner to talk about how the project has helped to make Bewsey and Whitecross a much safer place for the community to live and work.
“Everyone has worked incredibly hard and shown true determination to deliver as much of the project as possible during these challenging times. It is so rewarding when we hear residents say they are feeling safer in their own homes.
“While we have achieved a lot already, we can still do more and we are particularly looking for people in the community to help with neighbourhood watch schemes. I want to encourage anyone who is interested to please contact us by emailing [email protected]”
