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Anti-burglary schemes to start in Eastfield, Northampton

Online Niel November 17, 2024

Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone (centre) attended a study tour of Eastfield in September

Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner A group of people gather in a park listening to a man in a high visibility jacket pointing to his right. — Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone (centre) attended a study tour of Eastfield in September

A scheme to improve safety in an area known for burglaries is being launched by police and a residents’ association.

Eastfield, in Northampton, was selected by Northamptonshire Police for the scheme because of its higher than average rates of burglary and vehicle crime.

The project includes distributing more than 200 crime prevention kits to residents, allowing them to mark their belongings with a forensic liquid to help police identify stolen items.

Northamptonshire Labor Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone said she hoped the initiative would help residents feel “safer in and around their local community”.

Danielle Stone and crime reduction specialists spoke to people from Broadmead Community Church and Friends of Eastfield Park to see what improvements could be made

Sam Read/BBC A woman in a blue, white and black shirt with a navy blue cardigan stands in front of a red brick house smiling at the camera. — Danielle Stone and crime reduction specialists spoke to people from Broadmead Community Church and Friends of Eastfield Park to see what improvements could be made

A “study tour” in September brought together residents, businesses and organizations to identify actions to make people feel safer.

Other features of the scheme include the installation of more than 20 street signs in the area, alongside the distribution of Crimestoppers leaflets aimed at deterring criminal activity.

Further measures are planned for the New Year to tackle vehicle crime and personal safety.

These include the delivery of 500 vehicle crime prevention packs to targeted homes and an online Crimestoppers campaign.

The campaign will use social media advertising to encourage young people to report incidents of violence.

Sammie Wakefield, from Eastfield Residents’ Association, said the study tour had been “really positive” and some residents had already noticed the measures being taken.

“We’ve had more (people) contact us privately to explain the issues around Eastfield now that they have more confidence that we’re being listened to,” she said.