Agencies across the Barking and Dagenham Partnership are working hard to minimise burglary in the borough.  Below are some of the great initiatives that have led to a reduction in distraction burglary in Barking and Dagenham, from 9% in April 2009 to just over 5% in March 2010.

Please visit the Community Safety Partnership pages to see more of the work that is going on to reduce crime and raise awareness in Barking and Dagenham.

Barking and Dagenham Police have commissioned the Arc Theatre Company to stage eight performances of a play that aims to raise awareness among elderly residents about distraction burglary and bogus callers.

The eight performances will be shown at Age Concern and Active Age Centres where existing groups of elderly residents already meet.

“By Appointment” is a funny and touching play for older audiences. It tells the story of Iris (played by Anna Karen from BBC’s Eastenders pictured) who had recently lost her husband and is now facing life alone.  The play offers advice and helps older people to protect themselves from distraction burglary.

In support of the campaign, all borough residents over the age of seventy have been written to personally and provided with crime prevention advice aimed at combating distraction burglars.  They have been advised to use a door chain, check for ID and to attend a performance of the play.

• More than 600 door alarms have been distributed to residents for UPVC doors
• Weekly Operation Reclaims are being conducted
• Enhanced high visibility and plain clothed patrols are being carried out
• An outdoor banner/sticker/leaflet crime prevention campaign is being rolled out across the borough

For more information on crime prevention, please contact your Safer Neighbourhood Team.