About Magazine Issue 13

Beat the Burglars

It's about time that some positive action began to beat the burglars who target properties in the town and that's exactly what a scheme run by Hastings Council and supported by the Police and other agencies is now doing.

The Secure Accommodation Scheme (SAS) is a Home Office funded scheme which offers landlords the opportunity to improve the security of their properties at a very low cost. The scheme is aimed at landlords with properties in houses in multiple occupation (HMO) which are rented out.

HMO properties are considered to be at a higher risk than other properties in the town, and the Council and Police along with Moat Care and Repair are working together to put in top security hardware at the lowest possible price with the aim of beating the burglars.

Landlords interested in the scheme will be asked to complete an application form. The Council and Moat Care and Repair will carry out a detailed security survey and pinpoint areas for improvement.

Landlords taking part in the scheme will be offered a massive discount on all security hardware _ supplied and fitted! For example locks usually cost around £70 , but members of the scheme will be able to purchase them for just £16.

Once the property's security is all in place, the landlord will become an accredited member of SAS and his or her property will display an SAS certificate - which will act as a deterrent to would be burglars in itself!

SAS has been funded by a £72,000 Home Office grant, and the team working on the project is already one of the most successful in the south east. The scheme is due to run until March 2002 _ so make sure you don't miss out and help us beat the burglars.

Councillor Trevor Webb, Cabinet Member responsible for Community Safety, said:

"This scheme is playing an important part in tackling the problem of domestic burglary in the town. SAS is an opportunity that landlords must not miss _ security and hardware supplied at a really low price and fitted by experts. The benefits speak for themselves and not only will landlords and their tenants enjoy peace of mind, but they help us beat the burglars!"

Acting Inspector Mark Bright, Sussex Police is involved in the scheme. He said:

"Sussex Police fully support the scheme. Tenants gain the benefit of added security and reduced risk of burglary. Landlords gain the benefit of positive publicity, support from tenants and increased security at a low cost - only the burglar loses out!"

Facts and Figures

Last year, Hastings Borough Council worked with the County Council and Police to reduce burglary by 5%
There are approximately 3,500 HMO properties in the town
13% of domestic burglaries in the town occur at HMO properties
The average cost to a landlord or managing agent wanting to join the scheme is just £36 based on basic security measure such as window locks, letterbox hoods and automatic door closure in a four home/unit HMO
More than 100 surveys have already been carried out on properties
80 properties have undergone security improvement and are accredited by SAS

All landlords interested in the scheme must have HMO properties. Please contact HMO Landlord Liaison Officer on 781444 for more information.

< Keep on Recycling Your Paper | Skate Park >

This page last updated: 15/10/2001

Community and Living

See Also:

About Magazine Issue 13

Beat the Burglars

It's about time that some positive action began to beat the burglars who target properties in the town and that's exactly what a scheme run by Hastings Council and supported by the Police and other agencies is now doing.

Facts and Figures