02/08/2012
Barking and Dagenham Council in partnership with the Metropolitan Police recently demonstrated an innovative approach to dealing with the threat of burglary over the summer months and drive home the importance of home security to residents.
Part of the ‘Be Safe, Feel Safe’ tent at the Dagenham Town Show, which was visited by over 2000 people during the weekend was converted into a ‘crime scene’ and a uPVC door was used to demonstrate how to ensure doors and windows are locked in the correct way.
Residents were able to get information and advice about ways they can avoid becoming victims of burglary and crime prevention materials such as timed light switches and door alarms were also handed out.
The event was part of a wider burglary awareness campaign which uses the slogan ‘lift, lock and remove’ to promote the importance of locking UPVC doors using this procedure.
Cabinet Member for Crime, Justice and Communities, Cllr Jeanne Alexander said: “We are delighted that the ‘Be Safe Feel Safe’ tent gave so many residents the opportunity to get useful advice on how to avoid being a victim of burglary. We felt the Dagenham Town Show was the perfect opportunity to get this message across as doors and windows are more likely to be left open during the summer months when the weather is warmer.
“UPVC doors make your home really safe, if locked properly, which is why events like this are so important. We will continue to work closely with the Police and residents in the borough to remind them of this very important message.”
Chief Superintendent Andy Ewing said: "I visited the tent myself and was very impressed by the quality of the advice being given to help members of the public to avoid being a victim of this very upsetting crime. I remain grateful for the continuing support from the council which helps us to reduce the incidence of this crime; the council continues to support us through a wide range of measures including the Safer Estates Team, which is made up of police officers directly financed by council tax payers and provides a direct proactive asset for policing in the Borough.
In addition to home security advice residents were also able to receive handy tips and other crime prevention materials to help them to avoid being a victim of robbery, motor vehicle crime and distraction burglary.