Criminal damage can be a distressing experience for any homeowner. Residents of Hurworth-on-Tees, a built-up area in Darlington with a population of 2155, may be concerned given the area's crime rate. Currently, the crime rate in Hurworth-on-Tees stands at 102.5 incidents per 1,000 people. This is slightly higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. While the safety score of 77 out of 100 is reasonable, this indicates a potential area for improvement when compared to the UK average safety score of 79.
So, what can residents do to proactively prevent criminal damage? Several steps can be taken, focusing on deterrence and reporting.
1. Enhance Physical Security: Consider reinforcing vulnerable areas of your property. This could involve installing stronger fencing, particularly around gardens, or upgrading window and door locks. Motion-sensor lighting, particularly around entry points and dark areas, is a proven deterrent. A well-lit property is significantly less attractive to potential vandals.
2. Neighbourhood Watch & Community Engagement: A strong community is a safer community. Participating in or establishing a Neighbourhood Watch scheme fosters communication and vigilance amongst residents. This allows for the rapid reporting of suspicious activity and creates a sense of collective responsibility.
3. Report Suspicious Activity: Promptly report any suspicious behaviour to the police. Even seemingly minor incidents can be indicative of a larger problem. Providing detailed descriptions of individuals or vehicles involved can assist the police in their investigations.
4. Property Marking: Marking valuable items with identifying marks (using a UV pen, for example) can deter theft and make it easier to recover stolen property. This also discourages criminal damage as the perpetrator knows the item is traceable.
5. Home Contents Insurance: While preventative measures are crucial, having adequate home contents insurance provides financial protection in the unfortunate event that criminal damage does occur.
It's important to remember that while the crime rate in Hurworth-on-Tees is slightly above average, it doesn't represent an insurmountable problem. By taking proactive steps and working together as a community, residents can significantly reduce the risk of criminal damage and enhance the safety and security of their properties.