PCC Launches Pilot Security Scheme

Launched at the Ysbyty Aneurin Bevan Hospital, the Home Safe Hospital Stay pilot scheme aims to install security devices in the homes of vulnerable people from Ebbw Vale and Tredegar who are worried about the security of their property during their stay in in hospital.

The free scheme, which is run by the Ebbw Vale and Tredegar Crime Prevention Panel, is funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert. Members of the Ebbw Vale and Tredegar Crime Prevention Panel were joined by Mr Cuthbert and Senior Hospital staff and District Nurses to launch the pilot project this morning.

Those referred to the scheme from the hospital will have an alarm fitted in their house for the duration of their stay. Should any intruder enter their home, an auto dialler system will call multiple numbers of their choice to say that the alarm has been triggered. Other devices include light timers which can be programmed to come on at certain times of the day to deter any potential burglars by providing the impression that someone is home. The kit will be professionally installed by local Police officers or the Crime Prevention Unit and the systems will be available at any time. Dependant on its success, the home safety kit scheme could be rolled out to other parts of Gwent in future.

The idea for the scheme came collectively from Crime Prevention Panel Members. The scheme was further informed by one of the members, Eileen Patrick, who volunteers her spare time at Ysbyty Aneurin Bevan to provide support for vulnerable people. In December last year, Eileen met an elderly widow who was left devastated after her home was burgled whilst she was recovering from treatment in hospital.

Eileen Patrick said: "I met an elderly widow on one of the wards who was a victim of a burglary. She was so distressed and upset that it put her recovery back by weeks and it broke my heart to see the impact it had on her. I decided to discuss this with the panel to see if there was anything we could do to support local people who need our help in hospital. The peace of mind this project will provide people in hospital is invaluable and I would like to thank the PCC and the Hospital for supporting this innovative project. If this pilot is a success, it would be great to see similar schemes being rolled out in other parts of Gwent."

Highlighting the importance of the scheme, Gwent PCC Jeff Cuthbert, said: "You can't underestimate the impact something like a burglary can have on a vulnerable person who is recovering in hospital and it was therefore imperative for me to support this innovative pilot scheme. Taking action to prevent and reduce crime by working with partner organisations and communities is the number one priority in my police and crime plan for Gwent. Only by working with partners such as local crime prevention panels can we develop and implement initiatives to support and protect our most vulnerable groups."

For further information about the scheme, please contact the Ebbw Vale and Tredegar Crime Prevention Panel georginah555@gmail.com  or alanwilliams1940@gmail.com 

The Panel are also looking for new members to join their ranks. Please email georginah555@gmail.com  or alanwilliams1940@gmail.com  to find out more.