13/02/03 - Security checks are being carried out on more than 250 homes in Darlington to help protect them from burglars.
Council tenants living in the Minors Crescent and Whitton Crescent areas of Cockerton are to be visited by the Council's uniform wardens. The officers will carry out inspections of home security, offer advice and make recommendations for any work that needs to be done to improve security. The work will cost £30,000 to complete and the money will be used to install window locks, door locks, security lighting and smoke alarms. Part of the budget will be used to remove hedges or fences that can be used by criminals to screen their activities. The work will cost £30,000 to complete and the money will be used to install window locks, door locks, security lighting and smoke alarms. Part of the budget will be used to remove hedges or fences that can be used by criminals to screen their activities.
Paul Baldwin, the Council's Cabinet Member for Housing said; "Everyone has the right to feel safe and secure in their own homes. Residents in this part of Cockerton have voiced their concerns to the Council and we are responding to allay those fears. The Police tell us that many burglaries happen where homes are not secure - and these burglaries can be prevented - so we are hoping that our security work will have an impact. Our Uniformed Wardens are experienced in crime prevention so they will also be able to provide residents with the type of advice they need on home security."