J Tomlinson and North Yorkshire Police partner on Safer Streets scheme to prevent crime in Whitley

J Tomlinson is working in partnership with North Yorkshire Police to upgrade security measures at homes and farms in North Yorkshire villages as part of the force’s Safer Streets scheme, which aims to protect residents living in rural areas by making it more difficult for crimes to be committed.

Having commenced in November, the scheme is taking place in and around the Whitley area in the Selby district of North Yorkshire. Whilst North Yorkshire is one of the safest places to live in the country, one in five crimes in the Whitley area is burglary, double the county‐wide average, with one in eight properties being targeted in the past three years. The area is criss‐crossed with a network of small roads that allow criminals to escape, often before the police are even notified.

Working closely with North Yorkshire Police, J Tomlinson are undertaking security improvements to front, rear and patio doors, window locks, sheds, detached garages, rear garden access gates, and intruder alarms. As well as assessing and surveying each property, learning of any previous security incidents and undertaking relevant upgrades, J Tomlinson are also taking the opportunity to advise and educate residents on security best practice, helping them further reduce the chance of being burgled.

All Safer Streets works are being undertaken to a Secured by Design (SBD) standard ‐ the official police security initiative that works to improve the security of buildings and their immediate surroundings to provide safe places to live, work, shop and visit by ‘designing out’ crime through physical security.

Running until the end of March 2021, the scheme has so far generated excellent feedback from residents who report feeling safer and more comfortable in their homes as a result of the new security measurements, with one resident commenting that they were ‘highly delighted’ with J Tomlinson’s approach following a socially‐distant visit during which J Tomlinson’s operatives identified and addressed some potential security issues.

By using the same directly‐employed operatives to undertake works, J Tomlinson have been able to ensure a sense of familiarity with Whitley residents, further helping them to feel safe and secure in their homes.

Quote from Darroch Baker, Director at J Tomlinson

Darroch Baker, director at J Tomlinson Limited, commented: “At J Tomlinson, we are passionate about enhancing our local communities and providing safe places to work and live as part of our social vale commitments, and we are proud to be working with our client, North Yorkshire Police, to improve home security and prevent burglaries across Whitley.

“It’s excellent to see and hear the fantastic feedback our skilled operatives have received due to their professionalism and safe approach to undertaking security upgrades across domestic properties and farms. We look forward to making more local homes safe and secure over the coming months, and in the run up to Christmas.”

Quote from Julia Mulligan, , North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner

Julia Mulligan, North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner said: “Keeping homeowners, their families and the communities they are part of safe and feeling safe is always my priority and the ‘Protect Your Home’ scheme is one which residents cannot afford to ignore.

“The more homes we can protect, the safer the whole community will be. That is why I want as many people as possible to have their home security survey to reduce their risk from burglaries which are far too common in the Whitley ward of Selby due to its location with easy access to major roads.”

Long term partnership

J Tomlinson has worked with North Yorkshire Police for over 10 years, and in 2020 the company was appointed on a five‐year facilities management partnership with North Yorkshire Police South Yorkshire Police, West Yorkshire Police Humberside Police and Humberside Fire and Rescue Service. The contract is inclusive of a robust social values plan which supports reinvestment into the Yorkshire and Humberside communities, focusing on preventing crime, reducing unemployment, as well as engaging with local schools and colleges.

A leading provider of building and maintenance services to the emergency services, J Tomlinson now works with ten key customers in the bluelight sector, including South Central Ambulance Service, West Midlands Ambulance Service and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue.

About J Tomlinson

Founded in the 1950s, J Tomlinson provides a range of sustainable building solutions including facilities management, refurbishment, repairs and maintenance, engineering services, extra care construction and low carbon and renewable energy. The company, which works primarily across the Midlands, Yorkshire and Northern and Central England, works across a range of key sectors including blue light, healthcare, extra care, social housing and local government.

For more information about J Tomlinson, visit www.jtomlinson.co.uk.