THOUSANDS of people across West Yorkshire are feeling more secure in their homes after a Government-funded scheme led to nearly 2,500 properties having their security improved.

As part of the Safer Homes project, CASAC (Community Action and Support Against Crime) had to ‘target harden’ the properties – that’s to say they had to make the homes difficult targets for burglars to break-in to.

Neil Goldup, chief executive of CASAC, said: “We carried out the work in Bradford, Calderdale and Leeds. We are proud of our record to make homes more secure – when we install our improvements the chances of a burgled home being struck again is virtually nil.”

CASAC, which is one of the country’s leading social enterprises, applied directly to the Home Office’s £6 million Safer Homes fund in 2009. The Leeds-based community organisation then used its money for running security checks on houses, advising householders on security and bogus callers and installing security devices, including improved window and door locks.

Neil said: “We used the money to focus on those people at highest risk of burglary, including previous burglary victims, older and disabled people, lone parents, at-risk young adults, students and people on low incomes.

 “West Yorkshire Police’s Crime Reduction Officers referred people directly to us.

“As soon as possible, usually within 48 hours, we would send round one of our security engineers. The engineer assesses for the necessary security upgrades which are then carried out.”

He added: “Just to illustrate how effective we are at CASAC there was an interesting incident in Wibsey, Bradford.

“Among those who agreed to have their home inspected by our engineer were two ladies. They were impressed with the effort being made and were even more impressed when we could secure their homes with new locks - and it didn't cost them a penny!"

One of the ladies, Elizabeth Powell, said: "There was a break-in down the road and we had a visit from a policeman and a CASAC engineer offering to fit new locks for free.

"And then a few days later I came home to find someone had tried their best to break in but they couldn't get in.

"Rather than be upset I was thrilled to think I had got one over a burglar!"

Mrs Powell, 74, added: "I don't have much to steal but the new locks have definitely given me peace of mind."

In the process of trying to break-in the burglar damaged the lock which had to be replaced. Again CASAC did the work for free.

A 77-year-old neighbour also had the work carried out and she said: "I feel a lot safer now because I know burglars can't get past the locks which have been fitted.”

A spokesman for the firm which managed the Safer Homes scheme confirmed that CASAC delivered its project on time and exceeded the target number of homes that were to receive security improvements. 

He added: "The target number of homes was 2,160. By the end of the project the number of homes that were target hardened was reported as 2,471; and contributed to reducing crime and the fear of crime in Bradford, Calderdale and Leeds."

For more information about what CASAC can do for you and your home: contact 0113 380 5650 or visit casac.org.uk.