Fenton and Northwood residents are already seeing the benefit of an investment in security measures as part of the Government’s Safer Streets Fund, following two successful bids by the Staffordshire Commissioner’s Office.
The initiative, launched last October, saw an investment of more than £1m out of a total national pot of £25m. Residents in specific areas in both Fenton and Northwood are already benefiting from improved property safety measures including safer doors and windows and improved lighting.
Work is now underway by Staffordshire firm, Xtraweld to install alley gates at the entrances of specific alleyways to prevent anti-social behaviour, crime, fly tipping and unauthorised access.
Further initiatives due to start in coming weeks include installation of CCTV cameras, improvements to alley way lighting and the distribution of property marking kits which allow residents to mark up to 50 items of property with a state-of-the-art DNA-based solution. This will make valuables and belongings less attractive to steal but more likely to be returned if they are ever stolen.
The nationally recognised bike registration service will also be available which provides a highly effective, visible deterrent to bike thieves. If stolen and recovered, the bike can then be traced back to the owner.
Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime, Matthew Ellis said: ‘These additional security measures will provide a visible deterrent to criminals, and will also help to improve the confidence of residents using the alleys after dark.
‘Crimes such as burglary, robbery and theft cause significant harm to individuals and their communities. This is a great opportunity to invest even more in driving down crime and keeping the community safer.’
Council leader Abi Brown said: ‘We’re really pleased to be out in Fenton and Northwood again, putting in place very visible, physical works to give residents peace of mind and demonstrating our ongoing commitment to community safety.
‘The measures being put in place are the result of partners working together, listening and responding to the needs of local people. This initiative is delivering real results for our communities and the alley gates are the latest in a series of ongoing improvements.’
Chief Inspector Mark Barlow, of Stoke-on-Trent North Neighbourhood Policing Team – which oversees Northwood, said: ‘These safety measures will not only help us in investigating offences but will also act as a deterrent to those who attempt to commit crime in our communities.
‘I am pleased to see the reaction to this scheme from residents and I would urge them to take full advantage of the free marking kits. Using this kit will make their property less attractive to offenders but also helps us in retrieving stolen goods.
‘Although these measures are being put in place our local officers will continue to work closely with residents to understand their concerns and identify ways of responding to their needs.’
Chief Inspector Rob Hessell, of Stoke-on-Trent South Neighbourhood Policing Team – which covers Fenton, said: ‘We will continue to work closely with our partners in tackling crime and providing reassurance to residents.
‘This programme has helped to address concerns which have been raised by families and also provides people with reassurance. Incidents of anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping represent a blight on the community and I welcome any initiatives to help tackle these issues.
‘Our neighbourhood teams are fully focused on reducing crime and supporting the most vulnerable in our society and these measures support our work in those areas.’
All households meeting the criteria for improvement works have received a leaflet from the contractors, 24-7 Locks, inviting them to take advantage of a home security survey. Work is already well underway, with contractors aiming to complete 780 houses in both Northwood and Fenton by the final week of the project in March.
24-7 Locks are fully compliant with COVID guidelines and carry identification. Please only call the number if you have received a leaflet directly at your home, via post or a 24-7 representative has made contact while on location.
