Eligible householders in areas of Leicestershire will be offered high-quality security upgrades this week under a major crime prevention project led by Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews.
In keeping with his Police and Crime Plan commitment to prevent crime, the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland PCC will roll out a new home security initiative to stop burglars in their tracks.
More than 500 householders in Oadby and Wigston and areas of Melton are set to benefit from the scheme after the PCC secured additional funds from the Home Office's Safer Streets 5 Fund.
Leaflets will be delivered to eligible homes in all three areas later this week and residents are being urged to sign up for a free assessment as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
The work is being boosted by a high-profile Crimestoppers campaign giving Leicestershire residents, particularly those living in Oadby and Wigston where burglary rates have risen over the past 12 months, advice to reduce their vulnerability to crime such as burglary and theft.
Alongside the promotion of simple safety tips, Crimestoppers is making a direct appeal to the public to report any suspicions they have about people being involved in theft, burglary or robbery anonymously to the charity to help bring more offenders to justice.
Mr Matthews said: "Crime prevention is the golden thread running throughout my Police and Crime Plan and having secured this extra funding I'm determined to make it work very hard. This project will help to make a tangible difference to the safety of hard-working, law-abiding residents.
"I urge residents living in eligible areas to watch out for information dropping through their doors on how to take up this offer. There are no catches - if you are contacted, you will be entitled to a free security assessment and depending on your needs and your property's vulnerability, you could receive a range of high-tech security devices from new window and door locks through to video doorbells and exterior lighting.
"Burglary is a distressing and traumatic experience. Many victims suffer sleepless nights and anxiety long after the incident itself. This is why I continue to work with partners to prevent these crimes happening in the first place, supporting education and awareness-raising approaches as well as practical schemes that provide people with the physical tools they need to keep themselves and their property safe.
"If you are contacted by the Safer Streets team, please grasp this opportunity with opened arms. You simply cannot put a value on peace of mind and reassurance."
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.
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.
To pass on information 100% anonymously about anyone involved in robbery, burglary and theft, visit the Crimestoppers' website (Crimestoppers-uk.org) and fill in a secure anonymous form. Alternatively, please call the charity's 24/7 UK-based Contact Centre on 0800 555 111.
