Anti-burglar work pays off (From Penarth Times)

Anti-burglar work pays off

PENARTH crime victims can sleep safer in their beds due to the success of the latest Crime and Disorder Partnership scheme.

'Homesafe,' is aimed at securing the homes of vulnerable residents in a bid to stamp out burglary.

It was led by Vale police, and supported by the council, Hafod and Newydd Housing Associations and Safer Cardiff.

Other partners included the Vale of Glamorgan Crime Prevention Panel and the Help the Aged Handyman scheme - both of which can also assist to secure homes, helping to reassure worried residents.

The initiative provided and installed hardware at vulnerable premises, enhancing security with a view to preventing crimes being committed.

It then expanded to developing security into blocks of flats, and other multi-occupancy premises, by installing suitable door entry and remote control systems, allowing residents to monitor any visitors.

Chief Insp Steve Burge said: "The 'Homesafe' scheme has been a great success and an excellent example of how we can work together with our partners to prevent crime.

"During the first year of the scheme the Vale saw a 68 percent drop in the number of repeat victims of house burglaries. This results in just 1.3 burglaries a day in the Vale which is far below the number that people believe to be true. And it provided reassurance to residents.

"We are constantly seeking to arrest and deter burglars and, last year, had a 31 percent detection rate for all dwelling house burglaries. The national average for detecting dwelling burglaries is 14.1 percent.

"Our message is clear. We will target criminals and we will be relentless in this pursuit. We ask the people of the Vale of Glamorgan to support us in this endeavour, securing their own homes and assisting us with any information of criminal activity."

For more information, contact the crime prevention department in Barry police station on 01446 734451.