Free alarms to help prevent repeat burglaries

03 January 2008

A trial scheme to give burglary victims free alarms to protect them from further crime is being extended across Derbyshire after it achieved a 100 per cent success rate.

Derbyshire County Council has approved plans to fit burglar alarms at homes in Chesterfield, Bolsover, North East Derbyshire, Amber Valley and Erewash in communities where police figures show the highest number of break-ins.

The project follows a successful pilot scheme launched by the council in Chesterfield in October 2005 to reduce domestic burglaries and repeat incidents.

Burglaries dropped from 493 to 455 during the first year – and none of the 81 previously burgled homes which had an alarm fitted became repeat targets. This is despite figures which show burgled homes have a higher than average chance of being targeted again within a short time.

County council cabinet member for community safety Councillor Clive Moesby said: “This project’s success has been hugely important for residents who’ve been emotionally and financially devastated by burglary.

“People who had an alarm fitted during the trial told us they also felt safer and less worried about crime which we know is a major consideration affecting their quality of life. This coupled with the project’s success at making savings for Derbyshire taxpayers means we’re delighted to be able to expand it to other parts of the county.

“Derbyshire’s already a safe place to live but we’re committed to continue working closely with the police and our other partners this year to reduce burglaries and other crime to make it even safer.”

Following the pilot’s successful completion phase one of the work to fit alarms at properties in Chesterfield, Bolsover and North East Derbyshire has now started and will continue until February. Work is scheduled to start in Amber Valley and Erewash in March and continue until May.

According to Home Office estimates, 38 fewer burglaries during the trial period in Chesterfield resulted in a £124,184 saving for Derbyshire taxpayers.

(Ref: LT.01.08)

A trial scheme to give burglary victims free alarms to protect them from further crime is being extended across Derbyshire after it achieved a 100 per cent success rate.

Derbyshire County Council has approved plans to fit burglar alarms at homes in Chesterfield, Bolsover, North East Derbyshire, Amber Valley and Erewash in communities where police figures show the highest number of break-ins.

The project follows a successful pilot scheme launched by the council in Chesterfield in October 2005 to reduce domestic burglaries and repeat incidents.

Burglaries dropped from 493 to 455 during the first year – and none of the 81 previously burgled homes which had an alarm fitted became repeat targets. This is despite figures which show burgled homes have a higher than average chance of being targeted again within a short time.

County council cabinet member for community safety Councillor Clive Moesby said: “This project’s success has been hugely important for residents who’ve been emotionally and financially devastated by burglary.

“People who had an alarm fitted during the trial told us they also felt safer and less worried about crime which we know is a major consideration affecting their quality of life. This coupled with the project’s success at making savings for Derbyshire taxpayers means we’re delighted to be able to expand it to other parts of the county.

“Derbyshire’s already a safe place to live but we’re committed to continue working closely with the police and our other partners this year to reduce burglaries and other crime to make it even safer.”

Following the pilot’s successful completion phase one of the work to fit alarms at properties in Chesterfield, Bolsover and North East Derbyshire has now started and will continue until February. Work is scheduled to start in Amber Valley and Erewash in March and continue until May.

According to Home Office estimates, 38 fewer burglaries during the trial period in Chesterfield resulted in a £124,184 saving for Derbyshire taxpayers.

(Ref: LT.01.08)

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