|
West Herts Against Crime is a Charity based in the Lemarie Centre in Watford. WHAC's services are offered in three districts, Dacorum Borough, Three Rivers and Watford Borough.
The project became established in 1995 as a result of extensive research by the Hertfordshire Police into domestic burglary. The message came through loud and clear that the victim received little or no support in the aftermath of what to many is a devastating experience.
The aim is to provide security measures and advice to vulnerable people within the local community. The services include, Free Home Security Surveys for all, Home Security installations, Fire Safety Checks which are carried out on behalf of Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and The Handyperson Service which is available to those over 60 and disabled residents of any age.
WHAC is pleased to have served many thousands of people in the local community since its inception and will continue in the battle to reduce crime and the fear of crime
The services provided are both reactive and proactive. Presentations can be given to different groups on home security, bogus callers, fire prevention and the handyperson service.
Statistics taken from the ‘Findings from the British Crime Survey and police recorded crime’ which were published in July 2010 by the Home office say that of Households with no or less than basic home security had a higher risk (5.8%) of becoming a burglary victim than households with basic or enhanced security (0.9% and 0.6% respectively). The 2009/10 BCS also shows that 77 per cent of households who had not been burgled in the previous 12 months had at least basic home security. (Basic security – households with window locks and double or deadlocks on outside doors. No or less than basic security – households with no home security measures or households with some security devices but without both window locks and double or deadlocks on outside doors).
Last year West Herts Against Crime, secured 2021 homes, helping to keep 3792 people safer in their own homes. WHAC spent £50,907.22 on security equipment which was fitted to victims homes. 2112 of the people WHAC secured were aged 60+ and 521 were disabled and therefore all services were free of charge. WHAC also secured 146 homes where victims of Domestic Abuse reside and this again was free of charge for the victims. These are important figures and show that the work WHAC undertakes helps to keep our communities safer and reduces crime and the fear of crime.
For the last seven years, WHAC has also offered a Handyperson Service. This is for those who are over the age of 60 or disabled of any age, and currently covers Watford Borough and Three Rivers. The handyperson service is currently subsidised and has a minimum hourly charge. Last year WHAC also carried out handyperson work in 279 homes enabling over 400 people over 60 or disabled to remain safe and independent in their own homes.
|
