Sharp drop in crime on industrial estate
Crime has plummeted on one of Northampton's major industrial estates, according to new figures.
Statistics published by Northamptonshire Police have revealed a dramatic reduction in crime on the Brackmills estate over the past six months with reported incidents down by nearly a half.
Between June and December 2009 reported crimes had decreased by 46 per cent, compared with the same period in the previous year.
The drop has been attributed in part to the installation of CCTV and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras in April 2009, which were funded by the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation.
Police figures also revealed that thefts from lorries have fallen by 84 per cent year on year, a huge turnaround for an estate which at one stage enjoyed an unenviable national reputation as a hotspot for thefts of and from lorries.
Another key factor which is being hailed for the fall in crime has been the estate's new status as a Business Improvement District (BID). Last April businesses voted resoundingly in favour of becoming Northampton's very first BID, an international initiative which involves companies paying a small levy and then pooling the collective funds to make improvements to the estate.
It is BID funds which will now pay for the maintenance and monitoring of the CCTV and ANPR cameras.
An estimated 2m will be generated over the next five years from the scheme.
John Corrigan, chairman of the Brackmills Executive Board, said: "We are absolutely delighted to see this reduction in crime and this is proof that by pooling resources we can fight crime. We will not be resting on our laurels though. We will continue to work in partnership with Northamptonshire Police and businesses on the estate to reduce the number of crimes further.
Laura Major, Northamptonshire Police's crime prevention manager, said: "It is really encouraging and pleasing to see such a reduction in crime across the estate. It is a credit to all those involved in the development of the BID and shows what real achievements can be made through determination and partnership working."
To find out more about the Brackmills BID, visit www.brackmillsindustrialestate.co.uk.
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