Keeping homes safe in Thurrock
The Police and Crime Commissioner is contributing £6000 to a Thurrock Council scheme that will provide home security equipment to some local residents in private sector housing.
The money will be used by Thurrock Council’s well homes project. Working with people in selected parts of three wards with high crime levels, the 12 month project has been running for two months. If it proves successful, it could be extended and expanded.
The contribution from the PCC’s New Initiatives Fund means the council will purchase and fit a range of home security equipment in homes where security concerns are identified. These measures should reduce the risk of home burglary and include letterbox guards, window and door locks, intruder alarms and personal alarms.
Lindsay Whitehouse, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “This is an excellent initiative by Thurrock council to support some of the more vulnerable members of our communities. Helping to improve the physical security of homes should also make people feel safer. I’m also delighted at the involvement of local public health services, ensuring that this is a joined up project involving excellent work between partner agencies in both the crime prevention and health promotion spheres.”
The well homes project is aimed at improving the overall health and wellbeing of people living in privately owned or rented homes.
Security and feeling safe are important factors in health and wellbeing.
Thurrock council’s housing portfolio holder Cllr Lynn Worrall said: “You can’t be healthy and happy in your own home if you don’t feel safe and secure there. We are grateful for this contribution from the Police and Crime Commissioner. It will make many people feel more secure in their homes and improve neighbourhood safety.
“It is also a tremendous vote of confidence in the good work the well homes team is doing.”
The well homes adviser visits privately-owned or rented homes to discuss how housing conditions affect our health and wellbeing. She works with the occupant to identify possible health risks within or around each home. These include the risk of crime.
The adviser is also encouraging victims of hate crime and domestic violence to report it to the police. Former victims of local street crime or burglary will be among those to benefit from the security measures.
To contact the well homes team or arrange a visit by the adviser see https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/well-homes-in-private-housing/well-homes or call 01277 239 909.
