An innovative partnership approach to the delivery of a variety of services on Astmoor Industrial Estate has contributed to a dramatic reduction in recorded crime.

In its first year, the Astmoor Business Improvement District (BID) has contributed to a 32% reduction in crime when compared to the figure for 2007/08 and a 39% reduction when compared to crime levels in 2006/07.Since its inception in April 2008 the Astmoor BID has invested in an Auto Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) CCTV system, void property alarms and Smartwater DNA property marking system which has been made available to every business on the estate.  The estate also benefits from mobile patrols and companies can enrol for key holding and alarm/incident response services, provided through the BID by Select Security.  The high security message has been reinforced through the installation of high-profile signage across the estate.  

The success of the BID programme has also been built upon a strong partnership between Cheshire Police, Select Security, Halton Borough Council and the Astmoor businesses themselves.   

Over the last twelve months burglaries have dropped by 42%.  To further reduce the number of burglaries on the estate the Astmoor BID recently purchased a number of ‘void property alarms’ to protect vacant properties.  When activated the alarms communicate remotely with Select Security’s 24-hour control room to trigger an immediate, manned, response.
 
Criminal damage to buildings, often an indicator of attempted burglaries, has also fallen by 33% compared with the 2007/08 level and, an impressive, 71% compared with the 2006/07 level.

During the same period, while there has been a slight increase in thefts from vehicles, there have been no recorded vehicle thefts. The absence of any thefts of motor vehicles can be, in part, attributed to the installation of an ANPR CCTV system that captures images of every vehicle entering and exiting the estate.  

Phil Buckley, Crime Reduction Advisor, was instrumental in the selection of security infrastructure and services at the design stage commented that “this is great news and I believe these reductions in crime are due to the commitment of the Police and businesses working together and also the wider range of steps put into place to prevent and reduce crime on Astmoor Industrial Estate.”

Derek Lockie, NPU Inspector Runcorn, said “these results show the benefits of partnership policing.  Through the commitment of the businesses of Astmoor and the security measures put into place, it has made the Astmoor area a safer environment for the businesses and staff to operate.”

John Gummery, Chairperson of the Astmoor Business Steering Group, said “the crime figures are very encouraging and demonstrate that the BID security services together with the support from the Police are having a positive impact on the estate.  However, we must remain vigilant and remember to report any incidents to the Police.”

In the unfortunate event that an incident occurs at a business premises, then a representative of the company should notify the Cheshire Police as soon as practicable by telephoning 0845 458 0000.  If the offenders are believed to be still in the area or the incident is believed to be an emergency then please dial 999.