A high profile crackdown on crime in two Northampton estates has already resulted in a dramatic fall in burglaries of almost 70 per cent.
Officers from Northamptonshire Police, along with the Safer Stronger Northampton Partnership, have now visited seven out of every 10 homes in Lings and Lumbertubs to hand out free SmartWater kits and offer crime prevention advice, and, at a meeting last night, residents were updated on the progress of Operation Hallow and were asked to vote on how a £27,000 cash boost should be spent to help cut crime and antisocial behavior.
The cash, which comes from the proceeds of crime seized from convicts, will be used to help improve the environment in the area, as well as engage with young people.
Insp John McKinney, who is leading the operation, said to residents: “We need to be able to draw a line in the sand, and tell offenders that we will not tolerate bad behavior. This is your chance to have a say in what should be done to help improve Lings and Lumbertubs.
“Already, since this was launched in August, we have seen a 67 per cent fall in burglaries, compared to the same period last year. We want to go into as many homes as possible and give out SmartWater, because that will help make everyone else’s home that little bit safer.”
Operation Hallow follows on from a similar scheme in Thorplands which resulted in a drop in crime of more than 50 per cent, and it could soon also be rolled out across Spencer and Delapre.
Elaine Ketchum from the Local Criminal Justice Board (LCJB), paid tribute to residents in Lings and Lumbertubs for getting involved in the scheme, after Brookside Residents’ Council collected more than 200 signatures in a petition to help beat crime on the estates.
Meanwhile, Paul Varnsverry (Lib Dem, West Hunsbury), of the Safer Stronger Northampton Partnership and the borough council’s portfolio holder for communities, said: “The partnership is working very hard to improve the lives of people living in these areas, and it is very important that we consult with you and give you an opportunity to have your say in what should be done."