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10:24 24/09/2020
A project to help vulnerable people protect their homes from criminals will see anti-burglary packs delivered to more than 600 homes in Runcorn from next week.
Organised by Runcorn Local Policing Unit (LPU) as part of their multi-faceted approach to tackling burglary offences, the initiative has been boosted by a £4,000 Tesco Bags of Help grant and donations from Halton Borough Council and two housing associations.
The council has offered to donate around £4,000 to the Protecting Vulnerable People From Burglary project.
Halton Housing and Onward Homes have both donated more than £1,000 to the Protecting Vulnerable People From Burglary project.
Their housing officers will join police officers and PCSOs in delivering anti-burglary packs to elderly and vulnerable Runcorn residents from Monday 28 September.
The packs contain:
Detective Sergeant Rob McLoughlin, of Runcorn LPU, said: “The project was devised last year following a spike in burglary incidents in Runcorn in which the victims tended to be vulnerable residents.
“It ties in with Operation Shield, a forcewide initiative to tackle burglary offences.
“Burglary is a serious offence in which victims are targeted at their own home, which is the place that they should be able to feel most safe.
“We have a multi-faceted approach to tackling burglary offences which involves education, awareness and various forms of action to prevent burglaries and bring offenders to justice.
“This project gives us another string to our bow in that regard, with the anti-burglary packs proving vulnerable residents with key tools to lessen the chances of them becoming victims.
“The packs have been funded by a Tesco Bags of Help grant – which we were awarded for the Protecting Vulnerable People From Burglary project following a public vote – and donations from Halton Housing and Onward Homes.
“I can’t thank the housing associations, Tesco and the people who voted for the project to receive a grant from the supermarket chain enough for their help and support and we are looking forward to delivering the anti-burglary packs from next week to Runcorn residents we have identified as being vulnerable.”
David Keane, police and crime commissioner for Cheshire, added: “This project will support so many vulnerable Runcorn residents to protect their homes from burglars.
“It is a deeply upsetting experience being the victim of a burglary and I know that Cheshire Constabulary does extensive work to tackle burglary offences.
“However, there is only so much that the police can do.
“These new anti-burglary packs will give residents important tools to protect their own homes in the run up to a period which traditionally sees an increase in burglaries, with the nights drawing in and Christmas approaching.”
Halton Housing Customer Engagement Officer Debbie Jameson said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the Protecting Vulnerable People From Burglary project, which many of our customers will benefit from.
“As well as ensuring that our homes are safe and secure, as a large landlord in the borough we recognise that we have an active part to play in the wider community in helping to reduce burglaries and crime in general.”
Onward Homes’ Safer Neighbourhood Specialist Kevin Byrne added: “We are working closely with Cheshire Constabulary to provide tenants in Runcorn with anti-burglary packs in an effort to reduce the risk of burglary and enable them to feel safer within their own homes.
“The programme is due to begin next week and selected tenants will be notified.
“Customers should contact Onward Homes on 0300 555 0600 with any questions.”
The destinations of a large proportion of the anti-burglary packs have already been decided.
However, if anyone wants to make an enquiry about getting one for themselves or a family member they should email Dawn Taylor at Cheshire Police with their name, age, address and any additional information they feel is relevant.
Cheshire Constabulary’s anti-burglary advice includes:
When you are at home
When you are going out
When going away on holiday
Other anti-burglary tips
More advice is available online via our website.