Thousands of people across West Yorkshire are feeling more secure in their homes thanks to the work of a pioneering Leeds-based social enterprise.
The government-funded Safer Homes scheme led to nearly 2,500 householders in the region having their security improved.
As part of the project, Leeds-based CASAC (Community Action and Support Against Crime) had to make the homes difficult targets for burglars to break-in to.
CASAC Leeds has, for more than 10 years, been working with local people, the police and other statutory agencies to improve community safety. As an established social enterprise, CASAC has social justice at the heart of everything it does.
Neil Goldup, chief executive of CASAC, said:
"We carried out the work in Bradford, Calderdale and Leeds. We are proud of our record to make homes more secure – when we install our improvements the chances of a burgled home being struck again is virtually nil."
Running security checks
CASAC, which is one of the country's leading social enterprises, applied directly to the Home Office's £6 million Safer Homes fund in 2009.
The Chapeltown-based community organisation then used its money for running security checks on houses, advising householders on security and bogus callers and installing security devices, including improved window and door locks.
Goldup said:
"We used the money to focus on those people at highest risk of burglary, including previous burglary victims, older and disabled people, lone parents, at-risk young adults, students and people on low incomes.
"West Yorkshire Police's crime reduction officers referred people directly to us.
"As soon as possible, usually within 48 hours, we would send round one of our security engineers. The engineer assesses for the necessary security upgrades which are then carried out."
Goldup used an incident in Wibsey, Bradford, to demonstrate how effective CASAC was. He added:
"Among those who agreed to have their home inspected by our engineer were two ladies. They were impressed with the effort being made and were even more impressed when we could secure their homes with new locks - and it didn't cost them a penny!"
Elderly targeted by thieves
One of the ladies, Elizabeth Powell, 74, said:
"There was a break-in down the road and we had a visit from a policeman and a CASAC engineer offering to fit new locks for free.
"And then a few days later I came home to find someone had tried their best to break in but they couldn't get in. I don't have much to steal but the new locks have definitely given me peace of mind."
A spokesman for the firm which managed the Safer Homes scheme confirmed that CASAC delivered its project on time and exceeded the target number of homes that were to receive security improvements.
He added: "The target number of homes was 2,160. By the end of the project the number of homes that were target hardened was reported as 2,471; and contributed to reducing crime and the fear of crime in Bradford, Calderdale and Leeds."
For more information about what CASAC can do for you and your home: contact 0113 380 5650 or visit casac.org.uk.
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