A project aimed at protecting empty homes is continuing to make its mark in Shildon.

Last year, the Safe Durham Partnership set out to tackle issues affecting residents in New Shildon and side streets in the Byerley Road area of the town. It followed a recent spike in empty dwelling burglaries and a strong desire by the community to find ways to bring them back into use.

In the first six months, the partnership, which includes Durham County Council, Durham Constabulary, Shildon Town Council and other key partners, achieved many key objectives, including a 50 per cent reduction in burglaries across the project area and a decrease in burglaries in Shildon as a whole. This was achieved in a variety of ways, including increasing the number of police patrols in the area, community walkabouts and raising awareness of crime prevention methods through the press and social media.

And now the next stage of the project is underway, thanks to funding from Shildon county councillors Shirley Quinn and the late Henry Nicholson through Bishop Auckland and Shildon Area Action Partnership.

It will see more than 100 properties marked with SmartWater – a forensic liquid that is painted onto valuable items such as boilers and radiators. A unique code is then registered to the address where it has been used ensuring items are easily identifiable should they be stolen. SmartWater is invisible except under an ultraviolet black light and can remain on the skin for up five years after someone comes into contact with it.

Many homes across Shildon and the Dene Valley have already had SmartWater applied, and work is ongoing to attempt to mark up all empty properties in the area.

“We want all communities in County Durham to thrive,” said Councillor Kevin Shaw, Cabinet member for strategic housing and assets at Durham County Council.

“Empty homes are not only a loss of valuable housing, but they can impact on our local communities by attracting fly-tipping, anti-social behaviour and burglars.

“This project is a great example of how partnership work can produce results and make a difference to the lives of local people.”

Shildon’s Temporary Inspector, Alex Clarke, of Durham Constabulary, said: “Empty properties continue to be a target for burglaries and can also attract anti-social behaviour, which results in an increased demand on public services.

“SmartWater is not only an excellent deterrent but assists police in identifying those responsible for the crime. Hopefully, the real prospect of getting caught may make them think twice.”

Other key actions and achievements arising from the project include:

 

  • A reduction in the number of long-term empty properties
  • An increase of accredited properties
  • The removal of two tonnes of contaminated waste from bins during a day of action
  • A survey of more than 439 households to identify concerns, which were referred to the council’s anti-social behaviour team to be investigated
  • Fifteen properties were found to have inadequate smoke detection equipment and were referred to County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service. The fire service then visited 17 households, fitted smoke detectors and educated around fire safety
  • One vulnerable person was identified and referred to the Peer Mentoring Scheme for support.SmartWater kits are available free of charge subject to availability across Shildon and the Dene Valley. Empty home owners who are interested in having their property marked up are asked to contact Durham County Council’s housing solutions team on 03000 268000 or privatesectorhousing@durham.gov.uk