More than 500 householders will be offered free security improvements as part of a major crime prevention scheme.
Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has secured nearly £961k from the Home Office’s Safer Streets 5 Fund to protect people from the crimes that cause them concern and impact their safety.
As part of his ongoing strategy to prevent crime, the PCC will be investing more than £200k into high-quality security devices to stop burglars in their tracks.
Up to 400 eligible householders in Oadby and Wigston and up to 100 homes in selected areas of Melton are set to benefit from the scheme.
Householders will initially be offered a free security assessment. Any home in the qualifying area deemed to be at risk of burglary will receive a security upgrade which could include new window and door locks, exterior lighting, light-timers, window alarms, door chains and spy holes, video doorbells and other products.
Mr Matthews said: “Prevention is better than cure. Nowhere is that more true than in dealing with crime. It is far better to stop a burglary from taking place than to catch the burglar after the event. This funding will have a far-reaching impact on people’s lives and make our communities safer, stronger and more resilient to crime.
“Burglary has a devastating on victims. They can feel violated and very often unsafe in their own homes. And there is the loss of family items of sentimental value as well as the cost of replacing stolen items.
I made it clear when I was elected that I take these crimes very seriously and will take positive and proactive action to reduce the number of victims.
“Preventing crime is a top priority and I am proud to be working with our partners again to support homeowners with the equipment and expertise they need to keep themselves and their families safe.”
Working in partnership with the police and local authority partners, the PCC submitted three detailed proposals to the Home Office’s Safer Streets 5 Fund.
The improvements, which will be implemented over an 18-month period between October 1 2023 and 31 March 2025, will support the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan commitment to prevent crime. They are also set to benefit young people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Alongside free home security, the Commissioner is also investing in state-of-the-art CCTV, improved lighting, educational outreach work, ASB training for professionals, property marking and the production of VAWG awareness resources for children and young people.
