Pop legend helps to make a safer Old Trafford
  Like many of us of a certain age, I was brought up inspired by the Madchester band Inspiral Carpets. Now the former lead singer Tom Hingley has another string to his bow.  
 
He is tackling crime in the Old Trafford community where he lives.
 
  It’s a real boost that this well-known face shows interest in community issues like crime. Homewatch was recently revamped in conjunction with Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) who want to see at least one Homewatch Co-ordinator on each street in the area. Signing up as a Homewatch co-ordinator is an ideal way for residents to gain a sense of security, help improve their own communities and help the local Neighbourhood Policing teams to combat crime.  
     
  Tom has become the eyes and ears of an area that has seen its fair share of crime.

Tom’s Homewatch is just one of a hundred examples that has improved an area, helping to drive down crime levels and provide increased reassurance to members.

  
     
  The frontman is backing Trafford Police’s drive to recruit more Homewatch Co-ordinators. The 42-year-old teacher nominated himself after being a victim of crime - his car was broken into which kick-started his street’s Homewatch Scheme.

Tom said: “You should be proud to live where you do and you owe it to yourself to spend just half an hour or so per week trying to make it better.

“Since we set our scheme up, we have had three quarterly meetings and there have been over 25 people at each meeting, which is not bad for a 40-home street.

  
     

“It is not about spying on people or telling them what to do or how to live, it’s about being an active member of society and engaging with people,”

Mr Hingley maintains regular contact with local Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) Anthony Ferguson and Mike Webb, who provide him with weekly telephone calls informing him of any crime trends or incidents in the area.

He added: “Say, for example, I get a phone call off one of the officers telling me that there have been a few burglaries in the area, then I will draft a letter explaining this, print off copies and post them to everyone in the scheme.  It’s just about communication and sharing your concerns with people to increase vigilance.

“Last year, a new family moved in across the street and didn’t know what day refuse collection took place and their bins were overflowing.  This made their home look like it was empty, so I just nipped across, introduced myself and told them what day the bin men came.  Problem solved.”
Chief Inspector Neil Bhole of Trafford Police said: “We should all feel safe in our homes and communities because, without a sense of security, people are prevented from living their lives to the full.  

“Signing up as a Homewatch coordinator is an ideal way for residents to gain this sense of security, help improve their own communities and help the local Neighbourhood Policing Teams to actively combat crime.”

To find out more about becoming a Homewatch Co-ordinator, please call Anthony Ferguson on 0161 856 7748.
 
Story Anna McLaughlin
Photos OTN Team
 
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