RESIDENTS on a housing estate who were terrorised by burglars have pulled together to launch their own Neighbourhood Watch group in an effort to combat the crooks.
Homeowners in the estate off Abbeydale Way, Oswaldtwistle, were blighted by thieves when the estate was newly-built almost three years ago.
The Barratt‘s estate was repeatedly targeted by burglars who pulled away beading from the new UPVc window frames before removing the glass and climbing inside.
Property was still being stored inside cardboard boxes, with some victims even discovering wedding presents had been stolen.
Residents have now decided to keep the burglars at bay by launching a Neighbourhood Watch panel with the help of Hyndburn’s crime prevention officer PC Andy Liptrot.
There will be three co-ordinators on the estate of 80 homes supporting three schemes.
PC Liptrot said the key to a safer community was working in partnership to fight crime.
He added: “It is very important that people work together in the community. Rather than turning a blind eye when a house alarm is sounding, I encourage people to exchange phone numbers so they can contact each other to check everything is OK.
“The residents on the estate are working together which is what it is all about. It’s about people caring for their area and looking after each other.”
PC Liptrot said Oswaldtwistle company Ashley Engineering has devised a revolutionary gadget which can be attached to UPVc windows, making it almost impossible to remove the glass without it shattering.
It is not on the market yet but PC Liptrot believes it will be a vital tool in the fight against crime.
The first meeting of the Oswaldtwistle Residents’ Association will be held on Thursday at 7pm.
