Fears rise in crime down to Shropshire lights switch-off

A public meeting for those living in the Ambleside and Green Bank area of Oswestry heard that many people did not feel safe in their own homes following the switch to part-night lighting.

But Police Inspector Rik Klair told the worried householders at Holy Trinity School that although there had been a recent increase in burglaries in Oswestry there was nothing to show that the incidents were related to changes earlier this year which saw footway lighting in many residential areas of the town turned off between midnight and 5am.

Oswestry Town Council is the first to begin the roll out of Shropshire Council's part-night lighting plan across the county.

At the meeting residents voiced many concerns, from the lighting to the problem of vandalism and anti-social behaviour from people using a footpath from Coney Green in the town centre through the residential area.

They also said there were problems caused by people walking on the disused railway line at the back of many of the houses, which they fear will get worse if Shropshire Council creates an official footpath and cycleway alongside the rail line.

Resident John Jones called on the police to put more visible presence on the streets.

"It would be helpful if the police or PCSOs would walk around the area and be seen in the area. It would help allay fears," he said.

He said he noticed the dark nights more than most.

"I work shifts and when I come home between midnight and 5am it is pitch dark," he said.

Inspector Klair responded to residents' questions over the four recent burglaries in the area.

"There has been a spike in burglaries in Oswestry over the past month but it still remains an area of low crime," he said.

"There are no statistics locally or nationally to show whether crime has increased because the lights are being switched off.

"However, with the introduction of more and more low energy, LED lighting, I believe it won't be long until they are back on again."

He said burglars also preferred to work in good lighting.

"They can not hide in the dark as people might think because they have to use a torch, which is immediately visible."

Following a suggestion from the inspector, those at the meeting agreed to form a Neighbourhood Watch group for the area and it was agreed to look at providing a CCTV camera for the Coney Green section.