14
Apr
2014
By Calvin at 09:23 GMT, 10 years ago
A policing initiative to combat burglaries in north-east Essex continues to "reap rewards” as officers and partner agencies help potentially-easy targets "avoid the heartache of becoming a crime statistic”.
Operation Bannockburn was launched in and around Clacton in October 2013, with neighbourhood policing officers teaming up with counterparts from a number of organisations, including Tendring District Council’s community safety team and Crimestoppers. The aim is to enhance home security for those people thought to be at risk of being targeted by burglars.
District commander, Chief Inspector Cat Barrie, highlighted the contribution of staff from partner agencies which has helped to halt the seasonal increase in break-ins. "Aside from physically improving the security of people, we have worked tirelessly to enhance reassurance in the community,” said Chief Insp Barrie. "Risk factors have been identified and efforts to encourage householders to remove or reduce them have made the difference, potentially deterring or scaring off burglars from their property.”
During the past seven months, nearly 1,200 homes have been visited by officers and partner agency officials with over 80 people, thought to have been vulnerable to burglary, referred to voluntary services for further support. Friendship groups also began in January as a way of giving people, who live alone and without contact to nearby relatives, time with volunteers to socialise with.
The operation has also been supported by Neighbourhood Watch, County Fire and Rescue Service, Community Voluntary Services Tendring, Age UK, Careline and Jaywick’s community wardens.
Source: Essex Police http://www.essex.police.uk/news_features/other_stories/police_initiative_to_combat_bu.aspx
