Local security firm provides complimentary patrols in Chadderton to curb car theft

Clear Watch Security patrols continue in Chadderton

A Chadderton-based security firm is operating nightly patrols of the area to deter car crime, and it isn’t costing locals a penny.

Clear Watch Security, established in 2008, is keeping watch over the streets of Chadderton each night, and has been doing so since January.

Business owner and Chadderton resident, Ash Mahmood, was alerted to a spike in car crime following comments on the company’s Facebook page. Locals, he said, were growing increasingly alarmed and were at a loss for a solution.

Mr Mahmood was asked to provide a quote for his services by residents, but suspected ths cost would be a barrier. "The service’s cost value is £350 per night or £2,450 per week, so would have topped £13,000 already. We decided there was only one solution - to provide the neighbourhood patrol service for free."

“The scale of nightly car crime in the area was getting out of control. Clear Watch Security has the necessary knowledge, training and means to help, so offered to provide a regular security patrol service to act as a visual deterrent."

Despite Clear Watch Security primarily working with businesses on keyholding and response, manned guarding and alarm response solutions, Mr Mahmood knew the company could help make a difference.

"As both a Chadderton resident and business, I’ve noticed people feeling increasingly unsafe this winter. Offering nightly vehicle patrols anywhere between 7pm to 7am seemed like a good solution and something worth trying to see if it had the desired effect, so we offered to cover this service to protect the area we call home."

Now in the sixth week of patrols, consisting of trained security guards in a Clear Watch Security marked vehicle - residents have noticed a reduction in car crime and have been taking to the company’s Facebook page to comment.

The company says the aim is to complement the police works with the support of GMP in Chadderton.  Any suspicious behaviour or criminal activity during its patrols would be reported to the police.

Mr Mahmood concluded: "We’re pleased to be helping the people of Chadderton feel safer. We originally only intended to carry out our patrols throughout January, but as we have received such positive feedback from the residents, we are committed to carrying them on until 28 February, 2021."

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