New scheme will help keep residents secure and burglars out

Date published: 03 September 2010

A number of homes in the Besses area of Whitefield in Bury will benefit from a new scheme over the coming weeks that will help residents feel safer and more secure.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police’s Bury Division are teaming up with Six Town Housing to identify homes in the Victoria Lane area that will gain from security improvements. Additional locks, bolts, door chains and spy holes will be fitted, free of charge.

Energy saving light bulbs that switch on at dusk and off at dawn will be handed out and free property marking kits that are unique to each house will also be available. Window stickers and lamp post signs will warn thieves that valuables have been marked and are traceable.

Six Town Housing will also be improving communal areas and helping to tidy gardens. Whitefield Neighbourhood Policing Team will be offering to mark property both in the home and items in sheds and garages.

Gaynor Mason, Crime Reduction Advisor for Bury Division said: “The idea of the scheme is to deter thieves from targeting homes and outbuildings to steal property. One in three burglaries across Greater Manchester are through insecurities so we are helping residents improve their home security as well as advising them on the importance of keeping all doors and windows locked.”

Sharon McCambridge, Chief Executive of Six Town Housing said: “We are delighted to have this opportunity to work in partnership with GMP to support this initiative which is aimed at making our Tenants and Leaseholders homes and estates a safer and more secure place to live.”

To report crime call police on 0161 872 5050 or for more information.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.