A campaign has been launched to encourage residents of two estates in Northampton to report information about criminal activity.
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone is working with Crimestoppers to launch the digital campaign across Eastfield and Spinney Hill.
The online Crimestoppers campaign looks to challenge residents – particularly young people – to report violence, through targeted advertising on social media. The campaign was launched earlier this month with a digital AdVan and day of action from PCSO Dan Freeman (pictured above) – which included visits to Weston Favell Academy, Northampton College, Northampton School for Girls and Thomas Becket Catholic School.
It is the latest scheme in Eastfield aimed at tackling burglary, following a Study Tour visit by the Commissioner last September, where the estate was identified as an area with higher-than-average levels of acquisitive crime.
Following the Study Tour, Eastfield Residents’ Association has remained in contact with the Commissioner’s team and has already seen a successful litter pick take place to tackle fly-tipping.
The Commissioner’s team has also rolled out crime prevention packs for residents – which include Smart Water kits that allow residents to mark their property with forensic liquid, making it easier for police to identify and increases the chances of an item being returned to the owner should it be stolen and later recovered.
Danielle hoped that people would report criminal activity to Crimestoppers, if they do not feel comfortable reporting it to the Police.
She said: “I am delighted that work to try and reduce crime in Eastfield and Spinney Hill is continuing with pace.
“I visited Eastfield in the summer. It was clear that residents felt very strongly about issues in their local community, and it was important for us to listen and act upon those concerns. We have been working with the Residents’ Association and other stakeholders since then to bring in a number of schemes to help improve the area.
“We have already handed out crime prevention packs to residents to try and reduce burglary. We now hope that this digital campaign with Crimestoppers will build on that work, and it will help to build trust and confidence in residents. Their concerns are taken seriously and will be acted upon if they report anything anonymously.”
Lydia Patsalides, East Midlands Regional Manager for the charity Crimestoppers, said: “I feel it’s important that the people of Eastfield and Spinney Hill know that they have a voice to be able to speak up about their concerns on crime in their community, completely anonymously.
“Some people have information about crime but feel they don’t have anywhere or anyone to turn to. Please remember that the charity Crimestoppers and our youth service Fearless are here to help. We do not judge or take any personal details from those that contact us. All we want is the information you have. You will remain 100% anonymous.”
Young people can pass information about crime 100% anonymously via an online form at Fearless.org or by calling our 0800 555 111 phone lines, 24/7, 365 days a year.
