Vulnerable and elderly residents of the borough can sit back; relax and feel safe in their own home thanks to an innovative partnership scheme. The 'Vulnerable Person Scheme' scheme exemplifies one of many ambitious projects that Stockton Council, Cleveland Police and Stockton Fire Service embark upon through successful partnership working. The scheme, which has been in place since 2001 under the name of 'Burglary Reduction and Vulnerable Person initiative' utilises the skills of the Council Community Safety and Police Crime Reduction teams in order to highlight and address current safety issues within the home and disseminate awareness and advice to vulnerable people based upon an authoritative referral system. Particular attention circulates those people over the age of 60, victims of domestic violence and repeat victims of dwelling burglary.

The active scheme enables Police Crime Reduction officers to survey properties and recommend security target hardening measures. From Locks to lighting, door chains to personal safety alarms these appropriate and implemented measures are often provided to not only, improve and heighten the security of the home but aim to reassure, comfort and reinstate confidence to the residents and the community.

In April 2007, the 'Safe at Home' scheme was launched, in line with Government directive, to offer a sanctuary scheme to victims of domestic violence.

The scheme offers more extensive security measures to victims of domestic violence to allow them to stay in there own home, when it is safe to do so, and when it is their preferred option.

The Community Safety Team will provide the service working closely with Police Crime Reduction Officers who will decide on what measures should be used for each case.

Now the Partnership can offer a 'safe room' within the house. This involves the installation of a solid core fire door with smoke seals and installed in such a way as to open outwardly, cannot be kicked-in and can be securely locked. Mobile phones can also be issued.

Stockton Crime Prevention Panel contribute products to utilise in peoples properties on a site specific basis as directed by Police Crime Reduction Officers. North Tees Women's Aid provided free Domestic Violence training to the contractors involved in the scheme.

Nationally, domestic violence is a factor in one in eight of all new cases of homelessness nationally, and one in seven cases in Stockton. Accounting for around 13,000 homeless households nationally a year. 

 

 

Charitable Trust Number 1065762