Simon Beale with his Ring doorbell
A man who was left frustrated and afraid after three bikes were stolen from his garage says he now has “peace of mind” after receiving free security devices.
Simon Beale is one of over 100 burglary victims in south Nottinghamshire who have already benefited from security improvements through the Safer Streets scheme – and work is ongoing to offer the upgrades to others.
Burglars targeted the home in West Bridgford in October causing inconvenience and upset.
But after reporting it to the police, he was delighted to find out that as a Trent Bridge Ward resident, he qualified for help from the Rushcliffe Safer Street scheme to reduce the risk of being targeted again.
This has been introduced after the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire secured £3 million of Safer Streets funding from the Home Office for projects across the county that will help tackle neighbourhood crime, anti-social behaviour and violence against women and girls.
Within just months of the offence taking place, Simon’s home has been kitted out with front and rear sensored lighting and a Ring doorbell to deter any future criminal activity on his property thanks to partnership work between the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Nottinghamshire Police and Rushcliffe Borough Council.
Over 100 properties across south Nottinghamshire have had similar measures put in place to keep homes safe and reduce reoffending rates.
Simon said: “We had a burglary where someone came over the fence and broke into our garage and stole three bicycles which was an inconvenience as well as worrying.
“We contacted the police and got the insurance through which was great, but we were also contacted about having some security measures fitted.
“It’s been really helpful as they put in front and rear lights plus a Ring doorbell. We didn’t have to pay anything, and it gave us great peace of mind.
“They’ve been efficient and organised, and the communication has been really good. It definitely feels safer, and it feels good to know we have a deterrent in the future.”
Since the Home Office funding was awarded, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has been working alongside Nottinghamshire Police and each of the local authorities across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire to make people feel safer.
Safer Streets has enabled the partners to implement measures such as installing CCTV and better street lighting in public spaces, installing automatic number plate recognition cameras, a Safe Spaces scheme in businesses to give people in distress a haven of safety and employing Safer Street Wardens for high-visibility patrols.
Vee Mawer is a burglary reduction officer working with Safer Streets in the Rushcliffe (Trent Bridge Ward), Gedling (Netherfield and Colwick) and Broxtowe (Eastwood South) areas.
She said: “Since the project has begun, over 400 properties have been offered free risk assessments in these specific areas and over 100 residents, including burglary victims and residents living close by have been eligible for free security improvements such as CCTV, lighting and door locks.
“Whilst I have been working on this secondment it has been rewarding to make a difference in the community.
“Residents have given me positive feedback, stating that it is a great initiative providing them with reassurance and peace of mind.”
Burglary victims in Trent Bridge Ward where the scheme is operating can still take advantage of the scheme for a limited time.
Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry said: “Safer Streets has a real impact on people’s feelings of safety and cases such as Simon’s show why it is so important that we invest in improving people’s home security.
“We are achieving this by working in partnership with police and councils to put more security measures in people’s homes and in public areas as well as putting more uniform presence on the streets.”
Find out if your home is eligible for free safety upgrades
here.
Posted on Thursday 23rd February 2023