Police award Ongo for work in Westcliff

Humberside Police has presented Ongo with the ‘Partnership’ award for their outstanding contribution to improving opportunities and tackling crime in Westcliff, Scunthorpe.

The Problem Oriented Policing awards were held on Tuesday 19 October. Hosted by Humberside Police, they were set up to recognise organisations that have made a significant effort to increase community safety in the region.

Safer Streets, Ongo’s winning project, was created after they received £650,000 from The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside.

The project aims to cut acquisitive crime (such as burglary, drug dealing and anti-social behaviour) in order to make residents safer and improve the security of homes.

Working in partnership with Humberside Police, North Lincolnshire Council and local residents, a huge amount of work was completed. This included:

– Gifting over 400 pieces of target hardening equipment, including smart door bells, wireless house alarms and locks to residents
– Installing 23 communal Warrior Doors and 22 video entry systems
– Upgrading 34 existing doors on the estate
– Fitting 18 Secure by Design bike storage pods, where bike theft and storage were an issue
– Putting in over 1200m of new metal fencing and six decorative barriers and chicanes to reduce the risk from motorbikes and cars on green open spaces
– Ensuring all communal courtyards have solar security lights and have been tidied up with features including bin storage
– Launching a community grants scheme, meaning nine groups received their share of £10,000

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.

The Westcliff community is encouraged to visit The Arc to see what support is available for them, to report crimes within their community, or just to come together with others and get involved in #WeAreWestcliff activities or events.

To find out more about Ongo and the support they offer, follow them on social media or head to their website: www.ongo.co.uk.