Overview
In 2024-2025, Peterborough was selected as a pilot area for the government-backed Safer Streets 5 initiative led by Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner- the OPCC. The program aimed at tackling neighbourhood crime, including burglary, vehicle theft, drug misuse, and street violence, while building community confidence across the UK. Now in its fifth year, Safer Streets has been successfully rolled out in numerous regions. Peterborough’s unique challenges presented an ideal opportunity to test innovative community safety measures.
The Peterborough Neighbourhood Watch team played a critical role in the campaign, determined to empower residents with resources to protect their property and foster a sense of collective responsibility, the team approached Immobilise to collaborate on achieving these goals.
Challenges Identified
Crime data revealed that certain neighbourhoods in Peterborough experienced temporary but significant spikes in crimes such as residential burglary, garage theft, and vehicle crime. Although crime levels have since normalised, the initiative aims to establish long-term prevention measures and stronger community engagement through the following key objectives:
- Increasing Neighbourhood Watch membership to encourage collective responsibility for safety.
- Equipping residents with tools and knowledge to mark and register their property using the Immobilise National Property Register.
Focus Area
A detailed analysis of crime patterns identified 10 streets in Peterborough, from Central Park to Granville Street, as hotspots. These streets became the focus of targeted interventions under the Safer Streets 5 program.
Immobilise’s Involvement
To support the initiative, Immobilise provided security marking kits under the uniquely branded campaign, “Operation Mark It!”
Kits contained:
- UV Marker Pen: For invisibly marking valuable items with identifiable information.
- UV Thumb Torch: To view marked items.
- Immobilise Leaflet: A tailored guide explaining how to register property on the National Property Register for free.
These kits empowered residents to take an active role in safeguarding their belongings while complementing the broader goals of Safer Streets 5.
Volunteer Engagement and Education
To ensure the initiative’s success, Peterborough Neighbourhood Watch volunteers received training and materials to effectively communicate the benefits of property marking and registration. Through direct engagement, volunteers emphasised how Immobilise can:
- Assist law enforcement in recovering stolen property.
- Act as a deterrent to thieves aware of marked and registered items.
- Provide residents with peace of mind, knowing their belongings are secure.
Alan Paul, Head of Neighbourhood Watch Peterborough, shared his insights into the initiative’s impact:
“Through our involvement in the Safer Streets 5 scheme, we’ve been able to engage and recruit more Neighbourhood Watch schemes in areas of the city where community participation has historically been low. The Immobilise concept is an excellent practical tool that not only supports engagement but also strengthens our recruiting efforts. This partnership directly helps us achieve our association’s goal: fostering communities where everyone feels safe.”
The Broader Impact
By combining the resources of Safer Streets 5, the expertise of Immobilise, and the dedication of Peterborough Neighbourhood Watch, this initiative has:
- Boosted community participation and trust.
- Empowered residents with the tools and knowledge to protect their property.
- Created a framework for long-term safety and engagement in high-priority areas.
Looking forward, the Peterborough Neighbourhood Watch team remains committed to expanding its reach and building on the success of this collaboration, ensuring that the city continues to thrive as a safe, united community.
