Funding secured to help cut crime in Grimsby neighbourhood

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside (OPCC) in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council have succeeded in a £432,000 bid to the Home Office Safer Streets Fund to improve the lives of residents living in the West Marsh area of Grimsby. The funding follows a similar award secured by the OPCC last year which is already making a difference to the lives of residents on an estate in Scunthorpe.

Read the September 2021 West Marsh newsletter here for more details of the 'West Marsh Wallet' community fund

The funding aims to cut crime such as burglary, vehicle theft and robbery by implementing measures including simple changes to the design of streets such as locked gates, alley gates, alleyways, increased street-lighting and the installation of CCTV in target areas. The OPCC will be working in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council on the delivery of the project over the next 12 months.

Some examples of the problems which will be tackled are: 

• Alleyways which provide rear access to properties giving opportunities for burglary and environmental problems such as fly-tipping.
• Pedestrian walkways allowing access and escape routes for drug-dealing activities.
• Ensure gating is effective and locks are secure.
• Lighting and CCTV in areas prone to drug dealing, Anti-Social Behaviour and violent crime.

Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Evison said: “I am delighted my office has worked in partnership with the Council to secure this funding which I hope will be of great benefit to residents living in the West Marsh area. It will deliver initiatives that will prevent and reduce crimes such as burglary, theft and robbery. It will have an impact on drug dealing and anti-social behaviour, improving the security of the community and making a sustainable change for everyone living and working there.”

Councillor Ron Shepherd, Portfolio holder for Safer and Stronger Communities at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “I’m really pleased that this bid has been successful. We continue to work very closely with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside to tackle crime and disorder within our neighbourhoods.

“This funding will make a huge difference to our communities because it will allow us to make several small changes that could have a big impact, limiting the opportunities that criminals have to commit crime and reassuring residents at the same time.”

The third round of the Home Office Safer Streets Fund has also now opened, providing another opportunity for the OPCC to bid from a fund of £25 million for the year 2021/22. This funding will go beyond essential environmental measures like improved street lighting and encourage innovative bids for plans primarily focused on helping make women and girls feel safer on the streets, as well as an emphasis on changing attitudes and behaviours in local communities. More details on Safer Streets Fund round 3 HERE