Bedfordview RAG clean up neglected properties as part of crime prevention initiative
"In particular, unoccupied stands or derelict houses waiting to be demolished for redevelopment are often used as springboards by criminals into neighbouring properties and enclosures."
A neglected neighbourhood has a direct correlation to increased crime.
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New York’s ex-police commissioner William Bratten implemented the Broken Windows Principle and was able to reduce crime in the city by not allowing the smallest crime, even a broken window, to go unpunished.
Similarly, Bedfordview Residents Action Group (RAG) realised that where Bedfordview pavements and empty properties were neglected, an increase in crime occurred.
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“In particular, unoccupied stands or derelict houses waiting to be demolished for redevelopment are often used as springboards by criminals into neighbouring properties and enclosures. These neglected properties are very noticeable from the street,” said RAG chairperson Marina Constas.
To combat the concomitant crime occasioned by these vacant and unattended properties, RAG took a decision to first attempt to contact the owners to request a clean-up and to secure the empty property.
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“However, where these attempts have failed to rectify the situation, RAG has contracted a crew of the workers from the CPF’s red jacket car attendants to assist in the clean-up. The clean-ups are either sponsored or paid for with surplus RAG funds,” said Constas.
At the moment, the projects work on a tight budget, with borrowed equipment but with the vision to expand as resources allow.
RAG is hoping for more donations from Bedfordview residents and businesses to roll out the initiative to at least two days per week, to tackle these much-needed clean-ups in Bedfordview.
This initiative is very much in line with the non-profit organisation RAG’s founding principles of looking after the interests of all residents of Bedfordview.
Donations of equipment and refuse bags can be dropped off at the RAG office at the Belgravia Bowling Club in Florence Road, Bedfordview.
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