Skip to content

Wrexham Industrial Estate Targeted Policing Initiative

Reducing crime on a large industrial estate.

Organisation: Eastern Division North Wales Police, Wrexham County Borough Council, businesses
Category: Business crime, burglary, theft
Date submitted: 2006

What was the problem?

Wrexham Industrial Estate is situated approximately 2 miles north of the town of Wrexham and 10 miles from Chester. The estate covers approximately 550 hectares and in geographical terms it is one of the largest industrial estates in Europe. It accommodates around 300 businesses, which create a livelihood for Wrexham and North East Wales.

During the 10 years preceding the Targeted Policing Initiative, research showed that the Industrial Estate had suffered significant problems of burglary and theft.

What actions were taken?

The aim of the Initiative was to provide an environment that was both safe and secure for businesses, employees and residents. The target was to reduce the volume of crime and other incidents on Wrexham Industrial Estate by 25% over 2 years. The main actions taken to achieve this were:

  • business, security and environmental forums established - development of estate community
  • CCTV, Radio Link and multi-faceted website established - www.wrexhamindustrialestate.co.uk
  • establishment of permanent police presence, part funded by the business community
  • establishment of an Estate Co-ordinator funded by the local authority.

What was the outcome?

The original Initiative ran until 31 March 2003 and achieved the following:

  • overall crime down 25.9% (compared with 1999)
  • burglary reduced by 59.6%, theft reduced by 13.5%
  • 75% of people said they felt safer on the estate since the project started (according to a recent independent survey)
  • Initiative seen as best practice (nationally)

The scheme received funding from a number of sources including the Home Office Crime Director in Wales.

The scheme continues to run successfully with a commitment from North Wales Police, Wrexham County Borough Council and the business community on the industrial estate. Two years on crime has been further reduced and is being maintained well below the initial targets.

Contact details for further information

Name: Rebecca Morgan, WIE Co-Ordinator / Beat Manager PC Pete Jones
Organisation: Wrexham County Borough Council / North Wales Police
Tel: 01978 664879
E-mail: rebecca.morgan@wrexham.gov.uk