Tuesday 17th June 2008
(ref:
GMP/2206/2008)
Police and partners in Wigan have achieved a 60 per cent reduction in vehicle crime on car parks at seven commercial premises* in the borough.
Between 25 June 2007 and 11 May 2008 there was a massive reduction of 95 vehicle crime incidents across all seven locations compared to the previous 316 days.
Three of the car parks saw reductions of more than 60 per cent, with incidents dropping from 17 to three at Haigh Hall (an 82 per cent drop), from 25 to eight at Total Fitness (a 65 per cent drop) and from 41 to 16 at Kilhey Court (a 61 per cent drop).
The crime reductions on the borough’s worst car parks have contributed to an overall reduction of 759 fewer theft from vehicle offences across Wigan between 1 April 2007 and 31 March 2008 compared with the previous year, a reduction of 22 per cent.
The success comes after the decision made last year by Wigan Community Safety Partnership to ‘name and shame’ the borough's worst vehicle crime hotspots.
Action plans were drawn up with the management of each of the premises, resulting in various improvements to site security such as extra CCTV, electronic barriers, warning posters and the removal of shrubbery.
Other factors that have contributed to the success are better staff training, the introduction of security guards at some premises and high-profile media messages on crime prevention.
Wendy O’Neil, Crime Reduction Advisor for Wigan Division, said:
“This is an excellent example of how the police and partners can work together with local businesses to reduce crime and I would commend the efforts of all those involved.
“We will continue to remain vigilant regarding new crime hotspots, and by working with our partners and commercial premises I am confident we can make further reductions in vehicle crime across the borough.”
Inspector Peter Clarke of the Pemberton Neighbourhood Policing Team added:
"This is good news for our communities and all the businesses concerned, and I would like to express my gratitude to those who have really made the effort to make this happen. We will continue to work with partner agencies and businesses to create a safer environment for all customers.”
Kilhey Court
Luke Kendall, Operations Manager of Macdonald Kilhey Court said:
"This has been a great opportunity to work with local police as their guidance and timely advice have helped us to reduce car crime. Based upon the advice given by Wendy O’Neil and local officers, the investment of £60,000 by Macdonald Hotels has enabled us to increase CCTV coverage and car park lighting and to install electronically controlled gates.”
Between 29 February, when the enhanced security was completed, and the end of March there was not even a single vehicle crime incident.
Inspector Glenn Jones of the Wigan Neighbourhood Policing Team said:
“The efforts made by Kilhey Court to reduce vehicle crime on their property are to be commended, and the security measures now in place have had a significant impact on this type of crime. This strategy will not only make the venue more secure for people using the facilities but will enhance the perception of crime in the local community. We will continue to build on this success with the hotel management to ensure the reduction is maintained."
* The seven commercial premises are:
- Kilhey Court, Standish
- Greyhound Motel, Leigh
- Bay Horse Hotel, Ashton in Makerfield
- Toby Carvery, Lowton
- Haigh Hall, Aspull
- Stone Cross Travel Inn, Golborne
- Total Fitness, Pemberton
For further information contact: Max Bowie, GMP Public Relations Officer, on 0161 856 2761 / 2284 or 07979 706797
