Hundreds Of Homes Given Free Security Upgrades

Free security upgrades have been made to over 400 homes in Lutterworth in a bid to protect them from burglars.

The ten-month Safer Streets project has seen residents receive over 4,000 security products including new door and window locks, panic alarms and light timers.

It was funded by Leicestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews, who secured government cash and teamed up with firm 24-7 Locks Ltd to carry out the work.

Rupert Matthews (centre) with others involved in the project

Lutterworth was one of four areas in the county chosen for the project, because the town had disproportionate levels of serious acquisitive crimes such burglary, robbery and theft.

Mr Matthews said: “The Safer Streets scheme has been a phenomenal success and it is rewarding for all involved to hear about the positive impact these improvements have had on confidence, peace of mind and feelings of safety.

“Our partners 24-7 Locks Ltd and Harborough District Council have worked relentlessly to ensure our communities receive the full benefit of this funding, with 24-7 Locks Ltd in particular delivering a huge programme of works within a challenging time-frame.

“Preventing crime was always a key aim of the scheme but we also set out to help free people of the fear of crime so they no longer felt apprehensive about leaving their homes. It is clear from the feedback we’ve received that these security products have improved confidence and safety considerably.

“There is always more to do of course, and I will build on this progress with our partners in the near future, exploring every available funding opportunity to bring further improvements to our communities and reduce the risk of street crime.”

Harborough District Community Safety Partnership funded an additional round of security risk assessments and fittings for 29 households on the reserve list once the original quota had been met.

Of the core security products, 24-7 Locks Ltd distributed 728 three-star Diamond-Rated, Anti-Snap Cylinders to secure the main points of access to properties, 426 light timers, 184 door bar/chains and 1097 window alarms.