Success Stories
Crime Drops 70% on Langthwaite Business Park
29 Oct 2007
Langthwaite Business Park Benefiting from Dramatic Drop in Crime thanks to Regeneration Project
Two years ago crime was a major problem for businesses on Langthwaite Business Park. Businesses were closing and none were relocating to the Park due to its reputation as a hot spot for crime and vandalism.
However, recent figures from West Yorkshire Police Crime Statistics show that crime on Langthwaite Business Park has dropped by a dramatic 70% since December of 2005.
The success at minimising crime on Langthwaite and creating a more secure business environment is the result of the positive and progressive attitude of some business leaders on the Park who formed the Langthwaite Business Association, the vision of first Wakefield District Development Agency, and the support of the funders, English Partnerships.
A number of initiatives were implemented in order to reduce crime and improve the business environment on the Park, including:
CCTV ? 22 state-of-the-art digital CCTV cameras have been installed across the Business Park. These high tech cameras monitor the park?s activities 24/7. Speakers are attached to the cameras so security staff can ask anyone causing a problem to leave the area. From the images recorded day and night police can and have identified and investigated offenders.
SECURITY GUARDS ? On site security guards patrol the Park on evenings and weekends, and a guarding system has been installed for members of the Langthwaite Business Association which records all rounds made by guards.
IMPROVED LIGHTING ? High level white street lighting has been installed all around the Park, allowing the CCTV system to operate more effectively at night. The lighting has had a positive effect on the Business Park, as people feel safer walking to work in the dark and crime levels have fallen.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS ? Broken fencing, fly tipping, untidy and overgrown trees, shrubs and grassy areas were all targeted, improving the appearance and security of the Park and business premises. New signing was installed, dilapidated roads and footpaths have been resurfaced and pedestrian access points have been restricted. New open mesh fencing has been installed which allows improved viewing by the CCTV system.
PARTNERSHIP WORKING ? Members of the Association have been proactive in working together and reporting all suspicious activity on the park, as well as cooperating with project iniatives. This is testament to the fact that partnership working is the most effective method of reducing crime and making long term sustainable improvements in an area.
Today, Langthwaite is home to 80 businesses employing over 1,400 people from the local community. Fifteen new companies have located there since December 2005, creating over 200 new jobs. Planning permission has been granted for speculative build of rental units for the first time in 20 years. Langthwaite Business Park has regained its status as a place where businesses flourish.