Criminal damage can be a distressing experience for residents. While Dartmouth, within the South Hams district, boasts a safety score of 83 out of 100, and a crime rate of 70.5 incidents per 1,000 residents – which is lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000 – preventative measures are always valuable. Here's how residents can contribute to reducing criminal damage:
Reporting Suspicious Activity: The most immediate step is to be vigilant and report anything suspicious to the police. This could include unusual behaviour, people loitering in areas they shouldn’t be, or vehicles that seem out of place. Even if it seems insignificant, reporting it allows the police to investigate and potentially prevent an incident.
Neighbourhood Watch Schemes: Participating in or establishing a Neighbourhood Watch scheme can be incredibly effective. These schemes foster a sense of community and encourage neighbours to look out for one another. Shared information and increased vigilance can deter potential offenders.
Property Security: Simple measures can significantly reduce the risk of criminal damage. These include:
- Securing property: Ensure gates are locked, fences are in good repair, and windows and doors are properly secured, particularly overnight.
- Lighting: Adequate outdoor lighting can deter potential criminals. Consider installing motion-sensor lights.
- CCTV: While not always feasible, CCTV systems can provide evidence and act as a deterrent.
- Valuable Items: Avoid leaving valuable items visible from windows or in gardens.
Community Engagement: Attending local community meetings and engaging with local authorities can help residents stay informed about crime prevention initiatives and raise concerns about specific areas of concern. Dartmouth’s relatively low crime rate suggests existing community efforts are beneficial, and continued engagement strengthens these efforts. The safety score of 83/100 further demonstrates a positive safety environment, which residents can actively help maintain.
Understanding the Context: Dartmouth’s BUA (Built-Up Area) has a population of 5307, meaning even small changes in community behaviour can have a noticeable impact. A proactive and engaged community is the most effective defense against criminal damage.