Safer Streets project making strides in tackling crime

IMPROVED door security, enhanced CCTV surveillance, new cycle stores and better street lighting are some of the successful measures in place to help improve the lives of people in Newark.

Since the launch of the Safer Streets campaign in September 2020, considerable strides have been made in reducing crime and increasing public safety.

The project is a partnership between the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Nottinghamshire Police, Newark and Sherwood District Council and Nottinghamshire County Council to improve security in areas particularly affected by acquisitive crimes such as burglary, vehicle theft and robbery.

Measures are therefore focused on two areas of higher reported crimes – the Chatham Court and Northgate areas of Newark.

More than 100 street lights have been upgraded in the two areas, from older sodium lanterns to new LED bulbs which emit white light with improved colour rendering. Improved visibility also helps deter would-be criminals from striking in a location where they can be more easily seen.

Re-deployable, high definition CCTV cameras are being installed in hotspot areas over the coming weeks, to provide increased coverage of locations affected by crime. Cameras will be re-deployed and installed in different sites should monitoring requirements change or a reactive response is required.

Since the start of the campaign, more than 100 bikes have been security marked and 119 high quality bike locks have been handed out at a series of cycle security events.

On-street cycle stores at Chatham Court and Northgate are being upgraded to more secure designs and new, top of the range, cycle ‘pods’ are being installed next month for bike owners to take advantage of.

The District Council continues to undertake environmental improvements, tackling physical issues that encourage further crime in an area, such as litter, graffiti removal and fly-tipping.

A dedicated ‘environmental action day’ in February is also taking place to enhance the look and feel of the two areas, including street sweeping, debris removal, hedge pruning and general grounds maintenance.

Also through the Safer Streets project, victims of, or those most vulnerable to burglary in these areas are eligible for free security improvements such as new fencing, high-security doors, windows or even 4G solar-powered security cameras.

Improvements have already been made to several properties with more improvements set to take place over the course of the next few months.

One recipient of new high-quality fencing, Aimee Morris, said: “I am absolutely delighted – it really did seem too good to be true but I feel much safer in the knowledge that I have a considerably more secure perimeter around my house.”

Communal entrances to flats are being upgraded next month, providing a remote video entry system and improved door closure and locking systems to deter unwanted visitors.

Work is underway on a brand new Community Hub at Chatham Court, converting a former District Council flat into a one-stop-shop for a range of Council and Police services and initiatives. Due to open in April, residents will benefit from face-to-face contact for a variety of matters including housing and tenancy support as well community safety and security concerns.

Councillor David Lloyd, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “This is an example of partnership working at its best. Anything we can do to make it harder for criminals to operate is positive and there is still more to come. Our priority is always to make sure our district remains a safe and welcoming place to live, work and visit. 

“The District Council is committed to make Newark and Sherwood cleaner, safer and greener and this project is making a real, tangible difference to the lives of residents. Burglary, vehicle crime and bicycle theft have a devastating effect on people and each and every one of these measures is enabling us to keep driving down crime in a targeted way.”

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping, said: “Burglary and theft cause misery for victims and breed fear and uncertainty throughout communities. The Safer Streets Fund has given us an opportunity to double our efforts to reduce these dreadful offences by deterring criminals, increasing the chances of them being caught and preventing crime happening in the first place.   

“We know from experience that this sort of offending can be prevented by boosting security and arming residents with sound prevention advice. The project will do all this and much, much more to create an environment that not only looks and feels safer but will reduce the number of vulnerable people being targeted in the long-term.”    

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector for Newark and Sherwood Heather Sutton said: "We're very pleased to be part of this project and further explore how we can better serve the communities of Newark.

"The steps already being made, such as enhanced CCTV, new cycle stores and better street lighting, I'm positive will provide some peace of mind for those living in the area, and provide reassurance that we are there to help, listening to their concerns and working with them to improve their experience of living in Newark.

"We are dedicated to tackling the issues that matter to the local community, and this in particular looks at burglary, theft and other acquisitive crimes. Working in partnership means we can tackle these from a number of angles and it's really encouraging to see how this is progressing and the positive effect it is already having.

"We really want to hear the views of the community and we would encourage people to sign up to Nottinghamshire Alert, where we can update you directly on what is happening in your local area."