Like many areas across Northern Ireland, burglary and property-related crime is a concern for residents in Antrim & Newtownabbey. According to PSNI crime statistics (published September 2025), there were 581 recorded theft-related offences in the borough during the financial year to date. These figures include 65 burglaries and 10 reported bike thefts, equating to a property theft rate of 3.9 per 1,000 population.

Identifying the Problem and Opportunity

The Antrim & Newtownabbey Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) identified that many households were vulnerable due to limited awareness of simple but effective crime prevention practices—such as marking valuables, registering them, and adopting basic home security measures.

Rather than relying solely on advice and awareness campaigns, the PCSP saw an opportunity to empower residents with practical resources—like Immobilise Property Marking Kits and Home Inventory Packs—to support behaviour change and improve overall community resilience.

Community Crime Prevention Approach

Following consultations with local communities and training on crime prevention methods, the PCSP implemented a multifaceted approach. This included:

• Delivering training on effective messaging around security
• Relaunching the Community Safety Wardens Scheme to provide a visible presence and support local engagement
• Distributing practical tools during public events, joint patrols, and outreach programmes

PCSP at a Freshers Rural event at Greenmount College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise in Antrim

Targeted areas of concern

Town centres and high-density areas were among the locations most affected by theft and burglary, with older properties (often lacking modern security features) being particularly vulnerable.

The campaign focused on engaging the following groups:

• Residents in burglary-prone neighbourhoods
• Vulnerable households, including the elderly and those with disabilities
• Community groups
• Local retailers, landlords and educational facilities
• New housing developments, where security infrastructure is often less robust

Rural communities were reached during the PCSP’s dedicated “Rural Crime Week” initiative.

The Solution: Utilise Immobilise crime prevention resources

To address these challenges, the PCSP chose Immobilise security kits to allow residents to mark and register their valuables, making them less attractive to thieves and easier to return to owners if they’re recovered following theft.

Image shows: Immobilise security resources: Make Your Mark Leaflet, UV pen, UV light and a tamper-evident warning label.

PCSP Statement

“The PCSP is pleased to have supported the purchase and use of Immobilise property marking and registration products as part of our recent crime prevention initiative. These tools provide residents with a simple but effective way to secure their belongings, increasing the chances of recovery and deterring opportunistic theft. The PSNI’s ability to access the Immobilise database enhances the potential for reuniting owners with stolen property. By providing practical tools alongside community training, we are building safer communities by reducing opportunities for crime.”

Deployment of Kits and Campaign Materials

Immobilise kits and informational leaflets were distributed through multiple channels to maximise reach:

• Crime prevention training sessions – Provided to local police officers, community representatives, and residents
• Community engagement events – Including “stroll patrols,” PSNI/PCSP joint outreach, and targeted door drops
• Education settings – Distributed at schools, colleges, and community centres
• Neighbourhood Watch networks – Supporting residents’ through Neighbourhood Watch Schemes

Students taking Immobilise Make Your Mark security packs at Greenmount College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise in Antrim.

Early Success Indicators

As the campaign progresses, several evaluation methods are being used to assess impact, including:

• Resident surveys and informal feedback on increased confidence and behavioural change (e.g., improved home security habits)
• Monitoring reductions in burglary and theft in targeted areas
• Tracking the number of registered stolen items recovered via the Immobilise database
• Assessing changes in local crime perception

PSNI Crime Prevention Officer Comments

“Property marking is a well-established and effective crime prevention measure. Immobilise provides a unique identification method for personal and business property, reducing its appeal to thieves and supporting police investigations. The PSNI continues to encourage all residents to consider property marking as a key part of their crime prevention strategy.”

PCSP representatives distribute Immobilise kits to students to secure laptops, phones, bikes, and personal belongings at the North Regional College Freshers’ Fair (18 September 2025)

Future Outlook

The PCSP plans to extend and repeat the campaign in identified crime hotspots and areas with lower initial engagement. Future developments include:

• Expanding the initiative through schools and partnerships with housing associations
• Increasing the visibility of Immobilise kits via local businesses and community events
• Promoting property registration through digital channels, including council websites and social media
• Training local “crime prevention champions” to assist others with kit use and registration
• Fully utilising established networks such as Neighbourhood Watch for kit distribution and awareness

Are you involved in community safety or crime reduction initiatives?

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