Vulnerable and elderly residents of the borough can now sit back; relax and feel safe in their own home thanks to an innovative partnership scheme. The 'Safe at Home' scheme exemplifies one of many ambitious projects that Stockton Council, Cleveland Police and Stockton Fire Service embark upon through successful partnership working. The scheme, which has been in place since 2001 under the name of 'Burglary Reduction and Vulnerable Person initiative' utilises the skills of the Council Community Safety and Police Crime Reduction teams in order to highlight and address current safety issues within the home and disseminate awareness and advice to vulnerable people based upon an authoritative referral system. Particular attention circulates those people over the age of 60, victims of domestic violence and repeat victims of dwelling burglary.
The active scheme enables Police Crime Reduction officers to survey properties and recommend security target hardening measures. From Locks to lighting, door chains to personal safety alarms these appropriate and implemented measures are often provided to not only, improve and heighten the security of the home but aim to reassure, comfort and reinstate confidence to the residents and the community.
From April 2008 to March 2009, the scheme has provided free assistance and advice to over 165 vulnerable and elderly people who are either living in vulnerable conditions or have been a repeat victim of crime within the Stockton Borough.