Guernsey Press

Housing hires security firm to patrol Bouet

FEARS of crime have forced Housing to hire a private security firm to patrol the Grand Bouet estate.

Published

FEARS of crime have forced Housing to hire a private security firm to patrol the Grand Bouet estate.

Residents say there has been a rise in vandalism, arson and antisocial behaviour as tenants move out.

The young families and elderly people remaining there are now living between vacant, boarded up houses on the three-quarters empty estate that is scheduled for demolition next year.

Vacant properties have become a target for troublemakers, prompting Housing to hire Maximum Security.

The company started on a one-week trial on 30 October and its contract will now continue until at least the end of the year.

A Housing spokesman said it had appointed the firm in response to a number of break-ins at boarded up properties and in anticipation of increased antisocial behaviour on Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night, which had both passed without significant incident.

Housing minister Dave Jones said employing the company was the best way to monitor the situation.

'We have a fair number of properties that are boarded up and with bonfire night we thought the residents needed special looking after,' said Deputy Jones.

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