New neighbourhood initiative aims to tackle crime

Northamptonshire’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has launched a new initiative to help people living in higher crime areas feel safer.

Danielle Stone's 'Problem Solving' tours will connect residents who live in hotspots for burglary, robbery and theft, with crime reduction specialists.

Together they will walk around a neighbourhood to identify and implement improvements to make locals feel more secure.

Ms Stone said her project will "actively engage residents and organisations" and "put improvements in place".

The first tour was on the Queensway estate in Wellingborough where a group, headed by the commissioner, discussed the effectiveness of alley gates and CCTV installed in Kilnway and Minerva Way.

Staff from the Co-Op in Olympic Way were asked about their experience of retail crime too.

Inspector Miriam Kiernan leads the local area officers and said a "holistic approach" will be more beneficial in the long run.

She added: “It is only when we get around the table and work together that we can tackle the issues and improve the area for the local community.”

Areas for future problem-solving walks include parts of Corby, Kingsthorpe and Eastfield in Northampton, and Redhill Grange and Gainsborough Drive in Wellingborough.

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