Tenants and their families are calling for better security at specialist accommodation for the disabled – after a thief broke into a resident’s bedroom at night while she was in bed.
This first crime in Southbrook Field, in Papworth Everard, six months ago prompted requests for the homes and surrounding area to be made more secure.
Tenants are worried the doors and windows are old and unsafe, feel that security lighting would help deter criminals and that CCTV should be installed.
But Papworth Trust, the charity which runs the accommodation, has suggested tenants install measures such as security lighting themselves.
“Solar lighting is also an option,” says a letter to tenants dated February 1, “these are easy to install and are more cost effective than wired lighting.”
“If tenants wish to install a Ring doorbell or individual CCTV please refer to the tenant alteration policy and the CCTV policy and seek the relevant permission.”
There has since been another crime at Southbrook Field - and the brother of one tenant goes as far as describing the Papworth Trust’s response as “simply not good enough”.
Simon Baker said: “The Papworth Trust is essentially saying to its tenants ‘it’s up to you to sort out your own security, do it yourself’.
“In my opinion, the first incident was a violent crime. After this second one in April, I’m now very concerned about what’s happening there.
“And the Papworth Trust’s reaction to this really serious issue is simply not good enough.”
He added: “Everyone has a right to feel safe in their home – and very vulnerable people live at Southbrook Field.
“The tenants all deserve to be treated better than this.”
Officers, including the dog unit, attended the first burglary at 1am on November 25.
A man was arrested nearby and questioned, but later released without charge.
“The investigation is pending further lines of enquiry,” a police spokesperson said.
With the second crime, police received a report about an unknown amount of cash stolen at Southbrook Field between April 6 and April 17.
An investigation was launched, but there was insufficient evidence and the crime is on file in case any other leads come to light.
The security issues have also sparked further discussions about community policing resources.
The letter to tenants about security measures also included points made by Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) during a talk at Southbrook Field in January.
It says tenants were told the police service has “in recent years had their resources cut significantly” and four PCSOs, three of which are part time, cover over 100 villages in South Cambridgeshire.
A later clarification explained this neighbourhood policing team also includes one inspector, two sergeants and five PCs.
The spokesperson said: “... it’s worth noting we also have response officers, rural crime team, dog unit, firearms, road policing unit, major crime, investigation who all cover that area too.”
Darryl Preston, Cambridgeshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, added the county has a record number of police officers with 1,732 serving from March 31.
Government figures say 230 have been recruited to the force since September 2019.
Mr Preston also explained burglaries have reduced by 43.9 per cent over the last year.
He said: “While this will not be of any comfort to these recent victims, it is important that crimes such as these continue to be reported – allowing officers to build up local intelligence and catch those responsible.”
A Papworth Trust spokesperson said: “Papworth Trust is sorry our tenants are experiencing criminal activity and we take this matter very seriously.
“We have been proactively working with the police to curb anti-social behaviour in the area. We have arranged to meet with tenants again to talk about options to increase security.
“The police are aware and were talking to residents in the area last week; they continue to ask them to report all suspicious activity.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here