Clear Hold Build initiative aims to tackle crime and strengthen community safety on Wellingborough estate

A targeted partnership initiative to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour is underway on the Croyland estate in Wellingborough, building on the success of a similar project delivered on the Highfield estate in Kettering last year.

The Northamptonshire North Local Policing Area’s Clear Hold Build team, supported by Wellingborough neighbourhood officers, has begun focused activity in the area, working alongside North Northamptonshire Council and a range of partner organisations to address the issues affecting local residents.

The project follows the Home Office’s Clear Hold Build approach, which aims to reduce crime, improve public spaces and create sustainable, long-term change by working closely with communities.

Activity has been underway since March, with officers concentrating on disrupting criminal behaviour while engaging with residents to better understand the concerns that matter most to them.

As part of this engagement, pupils at Croyland Primary School were invited to design a logo and suggest a name for the project, helping to raise awareness and encourage community involvement. Poppy was chosen as the winner for her design, while Amelia and Jailah were named as runners-up. The project will be known locally as Operation Big Fix, reflecting its goal of delivering lasting improvements in the area.

The Clear Hold Build team is working in partnership with organisations including North Northamptonshire Council, Re-solv, The Compound, Mind, S2S and Neighbourhood Watch as part of a coordinated effort to tackle both the causes and impact of crime.

Early enforcement activity has delivered promising results. During March and April, officers made 14 drug seizures, 14 arrests and secured 26 charges, with eight individuals remanded in custody. Stop and search powers were used 44 times, leading to 15 positive outcomes for drug offences.

Officers have stepped up patrols to address anti-social behaviour, while also utilising relevant powers to issue Acceptable Behaviour Contracts and Community Protection Warning Notices where appropriate to prevent further offending.

In addition to enforcement, partners are working to improve the physical environment. A recent environmental visual audit at Croyland Park saw crime prevention specialists identify areas more vulnerable to crime, with recommendations now being considered to enhance safety through improved security measures.

Sergeant Jay Cheema, who leads the Clear Hold Build team, said:

“We’ve been focusing on the Croyland area for a couple of months now, with tackling drug-related offences and violent crime a priority, alongside dealing with anti-social behaviour that can really affect the quality of life for individuals and the community alike.

“The results we’ve seen so far are encouraging and reflect the proactive work of the team and our partners.

“However, enforcement is only one part of the Clear Hold Build approach. It’s equally important that we listen to the community and work together to create long-term improvements that make people feel safer.

“It has been fantastic to involve local schools in the project. The creativity shown by the pupils has been brilliant, and Operation Big Fix captures exactly what we are aiming to achieve – a lasting, positive change for the area.”

Residents are encouraged to continue sharing information and engage with their local policing team to support the ongoing work.

To contact your neighbourhood policing team, visit www.northants.police.uk/yourarea, enter your postcode and select the “Contact us” tab.

For updates about crime and policing in your area, sign up to Northamptonshire Talking at www.northamptonshiretalking.co.uk.

To report crime or suspicious activity, call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or report online at www.northants.police.uk/ro. In an emergency call 999. To report crime anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.