Community safety - alley gating
Alleygating is a very simple crime reduction measure which
involves erecting lockable steel gates to the end of back
alley-ways and passages which are then the responsibility of the
home owners who benefit directly from them.
A high proportion of burglars use the rear of
the premises to gain entry. The main reason for this is that the
rear of many properties opens onto dark, unlit and quiet alleyways
where the burglars can work unseen to gain entry to your house.
They then use the alley to make their escape with your belongings.
Putting a gate in the alley helps to keep burglars out and reduce
the fear of crime.
There is a way to solve this problem. The Council and the
Rochdale Safer Communities Partnership has established an
alleygating initiative, which has already brought about a
significant drop in the number of burglaries in parts of the
Borough where it has been implemented. The Council has provided
funding for alleygates. This means that the gates are supplied and
installed free of charge.
What are the benefits of Alleygating?
In addition to reducing the level of burglaries, there are a
number of other advantages including:
- Reduced fear of crime
- Reduction in malicious fires
- Safer play areas for your children
- Reduced opportunities for fly tipping and littering
- Reduced opportunities for youths to cause annoyance – This
could mean anything from drinking in the alleys to taking drugs,
and illegal off road biking.
- Fewer problems with stray dogs
- Improved community spirit, and a sense of ownership of the
alleys
- Reduced opportunities for fly tipping and littering