By Scunthorpe housing provider wins police award for tackling local crime
The Scunthorpe housing provider Ongo recently won the ‘Partnership Award’ at the Problem Oriented Policing awards for their work with Humberside Police.
Ongo, the largest housing provider in North Lincolnshire, won the partnership award for their contribution to improving opportunities and tackling crime in Westcliff, Scunthorpe.
Held on 19 October, the Problem Oriented Policing awards were hosted by Humberside Police to recognise organisations that have made a significant effort to increase community safety.
The winning project, Safer Streets, was launched after funding of £650,000 was received from The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside.
The project aims to reduce acquisitive crime such as burglary, drug dealing and anti-social behaviour to make residents feel safer and improve home security.
Working in partnership with Humberside Police, North Lincolnshire Council and local residents, some of the work completed includes: launching a community grants scheme in which nine groups received a share of £10,000, installing 23 communal Warrior Doors and 22 video entry systems and fitting 18 Secure by Design bike storage pods.
Fran Rhodes, Estate Co-ordinator at Ongo said: “When our £9 million regeneration project to build new homes, businesses and community facilities completed, we wanted to make it clear our work in Westcliff wouldn’t stop there.
“Along with helping to tackle crime we provide support, opportunities, engage with all ages and have projects focussed on getting people into employment, training and improving their future prospects.
“I believe all of this work has genuinely changed many lives and I am beyond proud of what we’ve achieved. The community are at the heart of it all and are involved in decision making, which is so important to us. I’d just like to say a huge thank you to them for their involvement and dedication.
“It’s an honour to be recognised at these awards and it means so much. We know there is still work to be done, but by building on Safer Streets we know we can continue to make a difference.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Evison said: “The investment secured by my office from the Safer Streets Fund, working in partnership with Ongo, has already made a noticeable difference for residents living in Westcliff.
“A safer community results in happier residents and one of the most pleasing aspects of this project is that residents have been able to have an input and suggest schemes to contribute to making their neighbourhood safer and stronger. I look forward to seeing this good work progress.”
Chief Inspector Paul French of Humberside Police commented: “We are delighted that Ongo has been awarded this years’ Partnership Award as part of our Humberside Police – Problem Orientated Policing awards.”
“The Safer Streets Project in Westcliff is a great example of Community Safety partners working with local communities to deliver innovative solutions aimed at sustainably preventing crime, reducing antisocial behaviour and making a real difference.”
“Congratulations to everyone involved in this outstanding project.”
(Image: Ongo UK)
