Burglar Alarm Scheme Wins Residents' Praise

HUNDREDS of Middlesbrough residents will soon be sleeping safe in their beds thanks to a monitored burglar alarm scheme.

Erimus Housing is helping keep the property of its residents safe by participating in the project with Community Ventures Limited (CVL).

The scheme means around 500 vulnerable Erimus Housing properties will eventually play home to one of the monitored response alarms.

Middlesbrough Council, Cleveland Police and the Safer Middlesbrough Partnership are already supporting the scheme, funded by CVL with help from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund and European Regional Development Fund.

Tenants have already welcomed the vital moves to help safeguard their homes. Resident Walter Crossman, from Berwick Hills, said: "We have had the house and garage broken into before.

"We are not paranoid about it but the alarm does give you a feeling of an extra bit of security.

"When it was fitted, it went like a dream."

Bob Brady, Chair of the board for Erimus Housing, added: "The burglar alarm project is a great example of partnership working.

"Tenants are our priority and this is one way of helping them feel safe in their homes and protecting their property."

The £750,000 scheme operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and uses a monitored response system, which means the property’s tenant or relative is contacted by phone if the alarm is triggered.

If concerns are raised, the police are then called in.

All residents receive training in the use of the alarm unit and what to do in the event of activation and homes also undergo a full crime prevention survey before alarms are installed.

Agencies such as Cleveland Police can refer a home to the scheme, taking into account criteria including fear of crime, burglary hotspots and crime statistics.

But Erimus Housing residents can also find out more about the scheme, including if they are eligible for an alarm, at their area housing office.

Chris Beety from CVL, said: "CVL is hoping the scheme may be extended to all Erimus properties in the longer term.

"Other housing agencies are also showing interest in the scheme following Erimus’ innovative participation with CVL."

Barry Coppinger, Chair of the Safer Middlesbrough Partnership, added: "All partners have given this scheme a high priority as it helps reduce burglary and fear of crime and supports community enterprise."

To find out if you are eligible for the scheme or if you are not an Erimus tenant and would like more information about obtaining a pay-as-you-go burglar alarm, contact CVL on 01642 230314.