The charity West Herts Against Crime (WHAC) has announced it will continue to deliver much-needed home safety and security services in Hertfordshire - despite the withdrawal of its county council funding.

The charity, which was recently honoured with a Hertfordshire High Sheriff Award for its valued work in the community, has vowed that it will not let funding cuts put an end to more than 17 years’ dedication to reducing crime and the fear of crime locally.

Instead, the team will continue to provide free home security for victims of crime and vulnerable groups, as well as safe, reliable and affordable services to all residents across central and west Hertfordshire.

Funding will be made up of private donations and a paid-for home improvements service, aimed at encouraging locals to guard against crime before it happens. WHAC will also be investigating new funding streams.

Jackie Chambers, General Manager at WHAC, said: "Despite the change to our funding, it is essential local people know that WHAC is still going strong and can still be relied upon. We are determined to continue combating crime in the community and helping residents feel safer in their own homes.

"When it comes to crime prevention, it pays to be proactive and do all you can to make your home a safe and secure place to be.

"This can be as simple as fitting security lighting or replacing old locks, but residents often feel they don’t have the time or the money to do what’s needed. We’re keen to let people know that in many cases, homes can made more secure for less than the insurance excess in the event of a burglary.

"We believe that being prepared is the best defence, so not only are we here to support victims and other vulnerable residents, our trained technicians are on hand to help everybody do what they can to prevent crime before it happens and help build safer local communities."

Anyone in the area can make use of the new preventative service, which will include a completely free home security survey.

WHAC’s Enhanced CRB-checked technicians will advise on what can be done to make a property as secure as possible, and improvement works can then be agreed and carried out at a typical rate of £35 per hour.

All payments and donations will be used to fund WHAC’s free-of-charge service for vulnerable residents, such as those over 60 and victims of repeat burglary, race hate crime and domestic violence.

Jackie added: "In the face of funding cuts, we are relying on the support of local people to deliver what we know can be an even bigger and better service for all. WHAC is the place to go for trusted service and advice to help make Herts more secure now and in the future, and we are determined to keep it that way."

For more information about the services on offer, call 01923 801 138 or email whacoffice@btconnect.com.