In 2008, WNDC approved funding for crime prevention measures at one of the region’s most important business parks.

Prior to the investment, Brackmills Industrial Estate was gathering a reputation throughout Europe as a ‘hotspot’ for road freight crime. Research carried out by Northamptonshire Police highlighted the need for traffic monitoring, mobile security, more patrols and improved lighting as essential to reduce crime and safeguard jobs.

WNDC supported the estate by funding an improvement in CCTV and the investment has paid dividends. From June to December 2009, crime had fallen by nearly a half compared to the same period in the previous year.

Quick Facts:

• WNDC funding for the CCTV scheme totalled £345,345.
• Thefts from lorries fell by 84 per cent after the scheme was introduced.
• Overall crime dropped by 46 per cent.
• The Brackmills estate employs 12,000 people,
• Further phases of the project included the establishment of a Business Improvement District (BID) and an estates management group to help safeguard jobs.