Cynthia

Download Subtitles

Transcript

0:00:02 > 0:00:06In the UK, there's a burglary every 45 seconds.

0:00:21 > 0:00:24But right across Britain, determined police forces

0:00:24 > 0:00:27are leading the battle to stop the thieves in their tracks.

0:00:29 > 0:00:33Can you open the door? Otherwise, entry's going to have to be forced.

0:00:34 > 0:00:36For the victims of these crimes,

0:00:36 > 0:00:40it can take months or even years to overcome the trauma.

0:00:40 > 0:00:42I'm also thinking that maybe they might come back,

0:00:42 > 0:00:46so there's an element of being frightened as well.

0:00:46 > 0:00:49In this series, we're about to show them and you

0:00:49 > 0:00:52how we can all fight back against the burglars.

0:00:52 > 0:00:55This is Crime Scene Rescue.

0:00:57 > 0:01:02On today's show, we uncover the story of recently widowed Cynthia.

0:01:04 > 0:01:07She's been left anxious and scared after burglars

0:01:07 > 0:01:11forced their way into her house while she was upstairs asleep.

0:01:11 > 0:01:15I've not been sleeping very well at all. It's a terrible feeling.

0:01:15 > 0:01:18You know, to think someone's getting into the house.

0:01:18 > 0:01:20You're by yourself. You feel awful.

0:01:20 > 0:01:23As the police search for the criminals,

0:01:23 > 0:01:27we attempt to get Cynthia on the road to recovery as we overhaul

0:01:27 > 0:01:31her security and hopefully rekindle her love for her home.

0:01:31 > 0:01:35It's exactly what I wanted and I didn't realise.

0:01:37 > 0:01:41West Yorkshire is policed by around 5,000 officers

0:01:41 > 0:01:45who look after an area of over 700 square miles.

0:01:47 > 0:01:51The force here is trying to crack down on the criminals

0:01:51 > 0:01:54who steal from local homeowners and I'm joining their officers

0:01:54 > 0:01:58on the frontline to discover just how they are tackling the burglars.

0:01:58 > 0:02:01While I'm here, I also want to do all I can

0:02:01 > 0:02:05to help the innocent victims of this terrible crime.

0:02:05 > 0:02:07West Yorkshire Police. What's your emergency?

0:02:16 > 0:02:18It's just before eight in the morning

0:02:18 > 0:02:20and a burglary is being phoned in.

0:02:22 > 0:02:24Is there anybody in the house at the moment?

0:02:28 > 0:02:32PC Kevin Johnson is attending the break in at Cynthia's house.

0:02:32 > 0:02:35She was asleep upstairs when the burglars came in,

0:02:35 > 0:02:38took her keys and then stole her car.

0:02:38 > 0:02:42Her son, Tim, has come round to give his mum some moral support.

0:02:42 > 0:02:45Can you find your bag and your purse? Have you still got them?

0:02:47 > 0:02:50I feel it probably will happen again.

0:02:50 > 0:02:52It's very frightening.

0:02:54 > 0:02:56I don't know what I'm going to do, really.

0:02:57 > 0:03:01PC Johnson is examining the entry point where the criminals broke in.

0:03:03 > 0:03:05You can see here,

0:03:05 > 0:03:08they've put something in the window frame there to lever it open.

0:03:08 > 0:03:12It's the same here. You can see the marks.

0:03:12 > 0:03:16On the ground down there is an additional lock that Cynthia's son, Tim,

0:03:16 > 0:03:21had put on to beef up the security after a similar incident last year

0:03:21 > 0:03:25where a window around the corner was forced open and they broke in that way.

0:03:25 > 0:03:30This is the second time in recent years that Cynthia has been burgled.

0:03:30 > 0:03:33The last time, her husband was still alive to support her

0:03:33 > 0:03:38and her son, Tim, is really worried about how they can make his mum's home more secure.

0:03:38 > 0:03:41Even though we've made the windows as secure as we can,

0:03:41 > 0:03:47obviously they still forced the window locks of.

0:03:47 > 0:03:49We can't do any more than what we've done, really.

0:03:52 > 0:03:54The scenes of crime officer has just arrived

0:03:54 > 0:03:57and he's getting straight to work, gathering forensic evidence

0:03:57 > 0:04:01and it looks like the burglars have left something behind.

0:04:01 > 0:04:03A footprint.

0:04:03 > 0:04:06Meanwhile, Cynthia's distress is growing.

0:04:06 > 0:04:10She was asleep in her bedroom when the sound of the burglars woke her.

0:04:10 > 0:04:15She rushed downstairs and nearly came face-to-face with the thieves.

0:04:15 > 0:04:18It's frightening. What if they come back again?

0:04:18 > 0:04:20That's the frightening thing.

0:04:20 > 0:04:24There are a lot of people like this, on their own, in houses,

0:04:25 > 0:04:30that people can get into with a little bit of effort

0:04:30 > 0:04:32and terrify people.

0:04:32 > 0:04:36If I'd have come down quicker, it would have been really frightening.

0:04:42 > 0:04:45Our forensic people have attended at the scene.

0:04:45 > 0:04:48We've got some forensic evidence from there.

0:04:48 > 0:04:51We are waiting for the results of some enquiries to see

0:04:51 > 0:04:54whether the car has shown up on any cameras around and about

0:04:54 > 0:04:57and as soon as we get any leads in that direction, obviously,

0:04:57 > 0:05:00we'll pursue those and we'll take it from there.

0:05:04 > 0:05:07Cynthia's anguish has really struck a chord with me.

0:05:07 > 0:05:10If anyone deserves to feel safe in her home, then she does.

0:05:15 > 0:05:17I'm desperate to help in any way I can

0:05:17 > 0:05:19and I've come to see how she's feeling.

0:05:22 > 0:05:25Cynthia, you have got your son, Tim, with you right now

0:05:25 > 0:05:28and the first thing I want to ask you is how you are?

0:05:28 > 0:05:33I have bad days and good days. It is not always easy every day.

0:05:33 > 0:05:37I can see it's very difficult for you to talk about what happened.

0:05:38 > 0:05:41But the thought that someone has somehow managed

0:05:41 > 0:05:44to get into your home and steal those keys

0:05:44 > 0:05:49and disappear with that car must really have been a shock for you.

0:05:49 > 0:05:52Terrible. Frightened. It makes me frightened at night as well.

0:05:54 > 0:05:56And, Tim, obviously, you know,

0:05:56 > 0:05:59you can't have your mum being like this, can you?

0:05:59 > 0:06:03With the best will in the world, you cannot be here 24/7

0:06:03 > 0:06:06and it must be devastating for you to see your mum so upset.

0:06:06 > 0:06:08Knowing there was the first burglary,

0:06:08 > 0:06:11and it turned out to be very easy to get into

0:06:11 > 0:06:16and I put extra window locks on and then we get the repeat burglary.

0:06:16 > 0:06:19You know, what I did made no difference.

0:06:19 > 0:06:23It's just a simple case of one crowbar and they're in

0:06:23 > 0:06:27and they could come back at any time unless we improve the security.

0:06:27 > 0:06:30We need to change that.

0:06:30 > 0:06:34We need to change that because when you go to bed, I want you

0:06:34 > 0:06:40to go to bed to relax and to sleep and that's what you deserve.

0:06:40 > 0:06:44You don't deserve to go up to bed and be scared if this happens again.

0:06:45 > 0:06:47OK? So we're going to try and change that.

0:06:49 > 0:06:51I need to help Cynthia turn things around.

0:06:51 > 0:06:54My plan is to overhaul the security of her house

0:06:54 > 0:06:57and make it as safe as possible.

0:06:57 > 0:07:01I also want to make her bedroom a special place to sleep.

0:07:04 > 0:07:06But I can't do all this alone.

0:07:06 > 0:07:08I'm going to hit the phone

0:07:08 > 0:07:12and assemble a crack team of community spirited trades people,

0:07:12 > 0:07:16prepared to give their all in transforming Cynthia's home.

0:07:16 > 0:07:19Hi, Neil, it's Rav. Are you all right?

0:07:19 > 0:07:21Hi, is that Theresa?

0:07:21 > 0:07:24- Hi, Fay, it's Rav. How are you? - I'm fine, how are you?

0:07:24 > 0:07:27I'm very well, thank you, but I'm after a favour from you.

0:07:27 > 0:07:30As you're in such a good mood, you might be able to help me out.

0:07:30 > 0:07:32It's a horror story and to make matters worse,

0:07:32 > 0:07:34she's just lost her partner.

0:07:34 > 0:07:37She lives alone and it's really upset her.

0:07:37 > 0:07:41I need somebody to have a look at the place and see what we can do.

0:07:41 > 0:07:44We really need to help her and I just want to update her security

0:07:44 > 0:07:46and make her safer in her own home.

0:07:46 > 0:07:48If you do an assessment, that would be great.

0:07:48 > 0:07:51We really need to help and I think you're the man for the job.

0:07:51 > 0:07:55I'll send you the details and I'll see you at the house. Thanks for your help on this.

0:07:57 > 0:08:00There's no time like the present to get started

0:08:00 > 0:08:03and begin fixing up Cynthia's home.

0:08:03 > 0:08:06To make sure we give her the best possible security upgrade,

0:08:06 > 0:08:09I've called in an expert.

0:08:09 > 0:08:12Crime prevention specialist, Dave Harrison.

0:08:12 > 0:08:14This is the front of Cynthia's home.

0:08:14 > 0:08:16You've had a brief look around.

0:08:16 > 0:08:19What can we do to improve the security here for her?

0:08:19 > 0:08:23First and foremost, the obvious thing is the lighting.

0:08:23 > 0:08:25That needs to be in a different position.

0:08:25 > 0:08:28An offender can quite easily get to that light.

0:08:28 > 0:08:31You're looking at the front here. It looks good.

0:08:31 > 0:08:35First impressions, the security is a reasonable standard

0:08:35 > 0:08:38but when you start to look closer at it, there are problems here.

0:08:38 > 0:08:40Let's have a look at this porch area.

0:08:40 > 0:08:43You can see the front door just beyond.

0:08:43 > 0:08:46There is one additional lock you can see that's been put on at the top there.

0:08:46 > 0:08:50Personally, I would like to see another one on the bottom.

0:08:50 > 0:08:52Absolutely. It then prevents being kicked in.

0:08:52 > 0:08:56So that would fully secure that door, which is quite a good door. It's a solid door.

0:08:56 > 0:08:58This house does have a working alarm system

0:08:58 > 0:09:02but it's on a keypad and Cynthia does find that very difficult

0:09:02 > 0:09:07to remember to input the codes to arm the alarm and disarm it.

0:09:07 > 0:09:10I think there are problems here. It's putting her off using it.

0:09:10 > 0:09:13We need an alarm here. It's a big house. It's isolated.

0:09:14 > 0:09:18Surely, what we have to look at is changing the system.

0:09:18 > 0:09:20That all sounds really good. That's the front of the house.

0:09:20 > 0:09:24Let me show you around the side because there is more I want to show you there.

0:09:26 > 0:09:30You see these windows, this is actually where they entered.

0:09:30 > 0:09:33We just need to strengthen it somehow. What can we do?

0:09:33 > 0:09:37When you first look at the shell of this building, it does look OK.

0:09:37 > 0:09:40But when you look closely, you can see they've got to snap locks

0:09:40 > 0:09:46at the bottom there and the snap locks haven't actually done the job.

0:09:46 > 0:09:49That's because the fixings weren't correct.

0:09:49 > 0:09:52- Is this something that can be rectified?- Yes.

0:09:52 > 0:09:56What we'll be doing is putting two new window locks on.

0:09:57 > 0:10:01The screws will actually go through into the body of the framework.

0:10:01 > 0:10:05We are also looking at the possibility of putting a frame

0:10:05 > 0:10:07around here on all the windows.

0:10:07 > 0:10:12So some relatively small changes are going to make a massive difference

0:10:12 > 0:10:14to her safety and security, living in this house.

0:10:14 > 0:10:16- That's correct.- Excellent.

0:10:18 > 0:10:21We need to get a move on and my earlier calls have

0:10:21 > 0:10:24paid off as the first people from my team of community minded

0:10:24 > 0:10:26trades people arrive ready for action.

0:10:32 > 0:10:36The first job is to change the lock on Cynthia's front door.

0:10:36 > 0:10:41Changing the existing keep that was on the door to fitting the new locks

0:10:41 > 0:10:46that we are fitting, you can see there is a lot more depth in there.

0:10:46 > 0:10:48It's much more encased.

0:10:48 > 0:10:50There are more fixings for the screws

0:10:50 > 0:10:53so it makes it much more substantial and a lot more secure.

0:10:53 > 0:10:55It's harder to actually force this lock open.

0:10:58 > 0:11:01But her windows are also in need of some attention.

0:11:03 > 0:11:07One of the weaknesses or weak points that you identified were the windows

0:11:07 > 0:11:09and you've done a lot of work today.

0:11:09 > 0:11:11Tell me what you've put in to strengthen those.

0:11:11 > 0:11:14This one, we've actually had to repair this one.

0:11:14 > 0:11:16We've upgraded the screws in the snap locks,

0:11:16 > 0:11:20and actually put longer screws in there because it was fitted just

0:11:20 > 0:11:24with the original screws and we've also put the window restrictors.

0:11:24 > 0:11:27These have been specially made for this property and these windows.

0:11:27 > 0:11:32You clearly massively upgraded the security on the windows and that was our big area of concern.

0:11:32 > 0:11:34Son, Tim, worries about his mum,

0:11:34 > 0:11:38as she often struggles to set her burglar alarm.

0:11:38 > 0:11:40But one of my team, Neil,

0:11:40 > 0:11:42has come up with an ingenious solution to the problem.

0:11:44 > 0:11:48One of the issues your mother has is forgetting to set the alarm.

0:11:48 > 0:11:51Had the alarm been set then the intruders would set that off

0:11:51 > 0:11:53when they entered the property.

0:11:53 > 0:11:58And, Neil, you think that this ingenious device could be the answer.

0:11:58 > 0:12:02As you can see on the front of it, there are two sensors on there.

0:12:03 > 0:12:05When this is on a wall,

0:12:05 > 0:12:09if you break that censor you can actually record a message into this.

0:12:09 > 0:12:11So when you break that censor,

0:12:11 > 0:12:15it actually speaks a recorded message that you said.

0:12:15 > 0:12:18So for example, when she's going to bed, if she was to walk

0:12:18 > 0:12:22past this area it would say, "Mum, make sure you set the alarm."

0:12:22 > 0:12:26Mum, if you're going to bed, don't forget to set the alarm.

0:12:28 > 0:12:31OK. So that should have recorded. So if I play this back.

0:12:31 > 0:12:34'Mum, if you're going to bed, don't forget to set the alarm.'

0:12:36 > 0:12:39Fantastic. Simple as that. Do you think that would help her out?

0:12:39 > 0:12:42Definitely. That's the answer to the problem.

0:12:42 > 0:12:46The security at Cynthia's house is moving forward

0:12:46 > 0:12:49and the police have also been at work.

0:12:50 > 0:12:53The forensic evidence from the scene has been processed

0:12:53 > 0:12:56and officers continue to look for her stolen car.

0:12:57 > 0:13:00West Yorkshire Police also have a range of initiatives to help

0:13:00 > 0:13:03rebuild the confidence of pensioners like Cynthia.

0:13:04 > 0:13:06Teresa Dmoch has stopped by to explain

0:13:06 > 0:13:09the benefits of their Nominated Neighbour scheme.

0:13:09 > 0:13:13You were burgled a short time ago. How vulnerable do you still feel?

0:13:13 > 0:13:17I'm still vulnerable and I'm frightened at night.

0:13:18 > 0:13:21It's a big house and you think,

0:13:21 > 0:13:24- which angle are they going to try to get in at.- Absolutely.

0:13:24 > 0:13:27Basically, what you do is you nominate a neighbour.

0:13:27 > 0:13:29It could be a neighbour

0:13:29 > 0:13:33or it could be a member of your family or a friend

0:13:33 > 0:13:37and all you do is put their details into this box here.

0:13:37 > 0:13:42Their name, address and telephone number.

0:13:42 > 0:13:46You hold this up at the window and it says,

0:13:46 > 0:13:50"I don't recognise you. Please contact my nominated neighbour."

0:13:50 > 0:13:54It limits the amount of conversation you have to have with that person.

0:13:55 > 0:13:58Cynthia does have neighbours in the area

0:13:58 > 0:14:01and this is key to improving her confidence

0:14:01 > 0:14:04and it's also bringing the community together to look after one another.

0:14:04 > 0:14:06Well, just maybe,

0:14:06 > 0:14:10this scheme will go some way towards easing Cynthia's fears.

0:14:12 > 0:14:15Since the break-in, she's had trouble sleeping.

0:14:15 > 0:14:18I really want to do something to lift her spirits.

0:14:18 > 0:14:21I plan to give her bedroom a facelift.

0:14:21 > 0:14:24Cynthia's home holds a special importance

0:14:24 > 0:14:26as it was built by her late husband.

0:14:26 > 0:14:29So clearly, I need to get things just right.

0:14:29 > 0:14:32Designer Fay Butterworth is here to help.

0:14:34 > 0:14:37What can we do to make this room feel like her home again?

0:14:37 > 0:14:40I've had a chat with Cynthia this morning.

0:14:40 > 0:14:44Her one concern was her late husband passed away not so long ago,

0:14:44 > 0:14:47so she is attached to a few items within the room.

0:14:47 > 0:14:50So we don't want to give her too much of a change

0:14:50 > 0:14:53where she loses certain memories which were obviously very precious to her.

0:14:53 > 0:14:57So we've decided to work with the existing furniture,

0:14:57 > 0:14:59come up with a scheme that is not too much of a change,

0:14:59 > 0:15:02but just to give her a nice new feel to the room.

0:15:02 > 0:15:05Give her a nice feature wallpaper with some florals in,

0:15:05 > 0:15:08keep some pink so it's nice and warm and cosy.

0:15:08 > 0:15:12Just give her a new look with curtains and some other accessories.

0:15:12 > 0:15:14But obviously keeping all the memories for her as well.

0:15:14 > 0:15:19That sounds great. She certainly needs some help and hopefully we can do that for her.

0:15:19 > 0:15:21Yes, definitely.

0:15:21 > 0:15:26Cynthia is temporarily moving out of her beloved home so we can continue our work

0:15:26 > 0:15:29and son, Tim, feels there's been a change in her mood.

0:15:30 > 0:15:33I keep reminding her what's happening

0:15:33 > 0:15:37and what's happening to the house and how it's going to be made more secure,

0:15:37 > 0:15:39she is really positive about it.

0:15:39 > 0:15:43Before, she really knew that somebody could easily break into the house.

0:15:46 > 0:15:48- You will be able to sleep a bit better.- Yes, I will.

0:15:53 > 0:15:56It seems we are slowly moving in the right direction

0:15:56 > 0:16:00with Cynthia's confidence, but there is still much more to do.

0:16:00 > 0:16:03My second wave of local heroes are on site

0:16:03 > 0:16:05and it's time to up the ante.

0:16:06 > 0:16:09Ladies and gents, thank you for coming round so quickly.

0:16:09 > 0:16:13The reason I got you here is to help Cynthia out, who lives in this house.

0:16:13 > 0:16:16Lots of you know her. I've got lots of family and friends here.

0:16:16 > 0:16:19But for those that don't, she's just been burgled

0:16:19 > 0:16:22and as you can imagine it has really, really upset her.

0:16:22 > 0:16:24For that reason, I need your help.

0:16:24 > 0:16:27So I really want to fix this place up.

0:16:27 > 0:16:29Let's make it as safe and secure as possible.

0:16:29 > 0:16:32On the inside, I want to make it feel like home again.

0:16:32 > 0:16:35At the moment, she's so scared to even go to sleep.

0:16:35 > 0:16:40So if we can change that, we will give this lady a bit of happiness back in her life.

0:16:40 > 0:16:44We've got a really deserving woman here who really needs your help.

0:16:44 > 0:16:46What we don't have is a lot of time.

0:16:46 > 0:16:49So let's get in there and let's get this place fixed up.

0:16:49 > 0:16:51ALL: Yay!

0:16:51 > 0:16:53As work starts in the bedroom,

0:16:56 > 0:17:00outside, we are already installing security lights well out of reach.

0:17:00 > 0:17:03That, Michelle, is going to go in the hall or the landing

0:17:03 > 0:17:06so you can swap that over so Cynthia can keep it.

0:17:14 > 0:17:16And having dropped his mum off,

0:17:16 > 0:17:19Tim has returned to assist with the makeover. He's not alone though.

0:17:19 > 0:17:23Tagging along is Cynthia's granddaughter, Amy, who is getting stuck in.

0:17:23 > 0:17:26Amy, you look like you're doing a good job there.

0:17:26 > 0:17:28You've got most of the paint on the walls!

0:17:28 > 0:17:30Do you think your nan is going to like her bedroom

0:17:30 > 0:17:33- when she comes home and sees all the work that's gone on?- Yes.

0:17:33 > 0:17:35You're doing a bit of painting.

0:17:35 > 0:17:38Do you think she's going to be surprised when she sees this

0:17:38 > 0:17:42and sees that you and your dad have both been painting in her bedroom?

0:17:42 > 0:17:44- She will think it's weird! - But she'll like it though.

0:17:44 > 0:17:47If she doesn't like it, you'll say, "Well, they did it!"

0:17:47 > 0:17:51- Your dad is doing all the work here! - Have I missed anything?

0:17:54 > 0:17:58We can't leave anything to chance to stop the burglars coming back

0:17:58 > 0:18:01and I want this place lit up with all-round protection.

0:18:03 > 0:18:06But are we on schedule with the bedroom?

0:18:06 > 0:18:09Massive transformation in Cynthia's bedroom already.

0:18:09 > 0:18:12Tell me what's happened and what's still to go.

0:18:12 > 0:18:15We weren't initially going to do anything with the wardrobes

0:18:15 > 0:18:17because Cynthia is extremely attached to them.

0:18:17 > 0:18:20However, they had been previously painted

0:18:20 > 0:18:22and to be honest they really needed to be freshened up.

0:18:22 > 0:18:25So we got the decorators to repaint those today.

0:18:25 > 0:18:29- So you've kept them the same colour, but you're just sprucing them up a bit.- Exactly.

0:18:29 > 0:18:31What I'm going to do, once we put the handles on,

0:18:31 > 0:18:35I'm just going to re-gilt wax the mouldings like she had before.

0:18:35 > 0:18:39This lovely wall here as well. That's the one wall that you feature wallpapered.

0:18:39 > 0:18:42It's not too overpowering, is it? It's not really bright.

0:18:42 > 0:18:45It's going to be quite subtle and you think she's going to like that.

0:18:45 > 0:18:49I think so. Cynthia doesn't like anything to powerful in a room or overbearing,

0:18:49 > 0:18:53where a lot of wallpapers these days are going to be too much for her.

0:18:53 > 0:18:56There's a lot of work to be done here and it's getting dark already.

0:18:56 > 0:18:58She's coming home tomorrow lunchtime.

0:18:58 > 0:19:01- Are you going to have this all done? - We will have it done.

0:19:01 > 0:19:04It's going to be a late night but it will be done, definitely.

0:19:10 > 0:19:12While my troops toil into the night,

0:19:12 > 0:19:15West Yorkshire Police are still at work.

0:19:16 > 0:19:19The investigation into Cynthia's burglary is continuing

0:19:19 > 0:19:22and officers remain on the hunt for her stolen car.

0:19:23 > 0:19:25In relation to Cynthia's vehicle,

0:19:25 > 0:19:28they are obviously conducting enquiries into the car.

0:19:28 > 0:19:31With these vehicles, obviously, they still need petrol.

0:19:31 > 0:19:35So we will look at local petrol stations, the forecourts.

0:19:35 > 0:19:39At times, we've had make-offs without payments

0:19:39 > 0:19:41with those specific vehicle types.

0:19:43 > 0:19:47Another one of the checks we conduct is on the automated number plate recognition system,

0:19:47 > 0:19:50which is a system which is live in West Yorkshire

0:19:50 > 0:19:53and up and down the country into all major cities, really.

0:19:53 > 0:19:57So in the event the vehicle does pass by one of these points,

0:19:57 > 0:19:59that will trigger it and an alert will come through

0:19:59 > 0:20:01to the police in that area.

0:20:01 > 0:20:05Unfortunately there haven't been any sightings of Cynthia's car,

0:20:05 > 0:20:08but the police are still looking.

0:20:08 > 0:20:10Meanwhile, back at the house,

0:20:10 > 0:20:15my team of dedicated tradesmen and women are finally finishing up for the night.

0:20:26 > 0:20:30It's early morning but work has already begun in Cynthia's bedroom.

0:20:40 > 0:20:44As the final touches take place, burglary expert Dave Harrison

0:20:44 > 0:20:48has returned to give his opinion on our security overhaul.

0:20:48 > 0:20:52We've added a host of exterior lights, well out of reach.

0:20:52 > 0:20:56The door has been strengthened and fitted with stronger locks.

0:20:56 > 0:20:59We've installed a new high-tech intruder alarm

0:20:59 > 0:21:02which is ready for action.

0:21:02 > 0:21:05We've also tightened up the security of the windows

0:21:05 > 0:21:08which includes fitting window restrictors to prevent access.

0:21:08 > 0:21:11So what's the rating?

0:21:11 > 0:21:13For the house itself, I am really, really pleased.

0:21:13 > 0:21:15They've done a fantastic job.

0:21:15 > 0:21:20If I was marking this, I would certainly mark it nine out of ten.

0:21:21 > 0:21:25Well, you don't get better than that from Dave.

0:21:26 > 0:21:31Cynthia and her son Tim are on their way home to see the fix up for the first time.

0:21:31 > 0:21:32I hope they like it.

0:21:32 > 0:21:36The moment of truth has arrived.

0:21:36 > 0:21:38- Hiya, Tim.- Hi, Rav.

0:21:39 > 0:21:44- Welcome back. Step over here with me. Good to see you.- Yes.

0:21:44 > 0:21:47- Are you all right? - Fine, thank you.

0:21:47 > 0:21:50- You don't like your glasses, do you? Do you want to take them off?- Yes.

0:21:50 > 0:21:53I know you don't like them.

0:21:53 > 0:21:54Welcome back.

0:21:54 > 0:21:58We've made a few little changes to your house to make you much safer.

0:21:58 > 0:22:01- I'm curious.- Do you want to see what we've done?

0:22:01 > 0:22:03Good. Curious is good.

0:22:03 > 0:22:06First of all, we've put a light up there. It's nice and high.

0:22:06 > 0:22:09That's to make it nice and bright when it's dark.

0:22:09 > 0:22:11We don't want anyone sneaking around.

0:22:11 > 0:22:15We've also got lights around the whole perimeter of your house,

0:22:15 > 0:22:17- down both sides and the back.- OK.

0:22:17 > 0:22:21If you look in the corner, you see the big yellow disc?

0:22:21 > 0:22:24That's a brand-new burglar alarm we've put in.

0:22:24 > 0:22:26We've made it nice and easy.

0:22:26 > 0:22:30It's just one button like you would use to open that car.

0:22:30 > 0:22:34We've also got a button you can press and the alarms will go off.

0:22:34 > 0:22:36If you hear any noises and you are not happy,

0:22:36 > 0:22:39press that when you're in bed, the alarm will go off.

0:22:39 > 0:22:41- Is that a little bit of peace of mind?- It is.

0:22:41 > 0:22:43Cynthia, if you look carefully,

0:22:43 > 0:22:47look at where your kitchen window is, you see that small bar?

0:22:47 > 0:22:53What that does is stop the windows opening big enough for someone to crawl in.

0:22:53 > 0:22:55- Good.- We think that's how the intruder got in before.

0:22:55 > 0:22:58I think it was, yes.

0:22:58 > 0:23:01They certainly left that way because you saw him, didn't you?

0:23:01 > 0:23:04- No-one can crawl in now. - That's good.

0:23:04 > 0:23:06There's a couple more things

0:23:06 > 0:23:09I want to show you on the inside of the front door.

0:23:10 > 0:23:13Follow me and I'll show you.

0:23:13 > 0:23:16OK, Cynthia and Tim, if you just follow me,

0:23:16 > 0:23:20I just want to show you what we have done to your front door.

0:23:20 > 0:23:22And, Tim.

0:23:22 > 0:23:27Notice here, if you have a look, we have got two nice and shiny

0:23:27 > 0:23:30brand-new door locks which are much stronger than before.

0:23:30 > 0:23:33You might have heard a familiar voice when we walked in.

0:23:34 > 0:23:37Did you hear your son Tim?

0:23:37 > 0:23:40- 'Don't forget to lock the door.' - Yes.

0:23:40 > 0:23:42There you go.

0:23:42 > 0:23:46That's Tim telling you, don't forget to lock the door, both locks as well.

0:23:46 > 0:23:50- That's going to go off every time you walk in through the door, OK? - Yes, that is fine.

0:23:50 > 0:23:54Cynthia, that's the security taken care of.

0:23:54 > 0:23:58There's also a little extra we have done for you, because you told me

0:23:58 > 0:24:02how nervous you are about sleeping here after what happened.

0:24:02 > 0:24:07I want to change that so we've had some people around,

0:24:07 > 0:24:10some friends that have done some work

0:24:10 > 0:24:13and I want you to take a look at your bedroom

0:24:13 > 0:24:16because hopefully now you can feel you can relax a little bit more.

0:24:16 > 0:24:18- Do you want to take a look?- Yes. - A bit nervous?

0:24:18 > 0:24:21- Excited?- Definitely.

0:24:21 > 0:24:23Good. Follow me. Let's go and take a look.

0:24:23 > 0:24:26As well as transforming Cynthia's security,

0:24:26 > 0:24:31we wanted to eliminate the negativity brought about by the break in

0:24:31 > 0:24:35and help her find a little piece of happiness again in her bedroom.

0:24:35 > 0:24:37My team of volunteers pulled out all the stops

0:24:37 > 0:24:41but I have no idea whether she will like what I am about to show her.

0:24:41 > 0:24:44Take a look at your bedroom.

0:24:45 > 0:24:47What do you think?

0:24:48 > 0:24:49Lovely.

0:24:49 > 0:24:51Is it you, Cynthia?

0:24:51 > 0:24:53It is, it's exactly what I wanted.

0:24:53 > 0:24:58I didn't realise. But you've made a feature of that paper.

0:24:58 > 0:25:00It's really lovely.

0:25:00 > 0:25:03I didn't expect all this - lampshades and other things.

0:25:05 > 0:25:10- Nice pictures on your windowsill. - Yes. Lovely.

0:25:10 > 0:25:14And if you look behind, lots of nice memories for you.

0:25:15 > 0:25:18I'll just let you have a quick look at those pictures.

0:25:18 > 0:25:21You like your glasses now, don't you? You have a look.

0:25:21 > 0:25:24What we didn't want was for you to sit in this room

0:25:24 > 0:25:27and have bad memories of what happened.

0:25:27 > 0:25:31The main thing, do you think that you are now going to be able to

0:25:31 > 0:25:35- relax a little bit more? - I think so, yes.

0:25:35 > 0:25:38- And, Tim?- It's fantastic.

0:25:38 > 0:25:41I would never have thought of doing this.

0:25:41 > 0:25:44It needed someone with a bit more imagination than me.

0:25:44 > 0:25:46- It really is nice.- It's lovely.

0:25:46 > 0:25:49As you know, this has happened very quickly,

0:25:49 > 0:25:52for your bedroom to look like it does now

0:25:52 > 0:25:56and in order for that to happen, lots of people have rushed around.

0:25:56 > 0:26:00These are all local people that work in the trade

0:26:00 > 0:26:03that heard what happened to you and wanted to help.

0:26:03 > 0:26:05They all wanted to help you out.

0:26:05 > 0:26:07They would love to say hello to you.

0:26:07 > 0:26:11I'm sure, if you saw them, you would like to say thank you, wouldn't you?

0:26:11 > 0:26:12Yes.

0:26:12 > 0:26:15Well, Cynthia, they are in your front garden right now.

0:26:15 > 0:26:17Can I peek through the window?

0:26:17 > 0:26:20We can do better than that, how about we go out the front

0:26:20 > 0:26:24- and say a little thank you to them? - Yes, all right then.

0:26:24 > 0:26:26Let's go.

0:26:26 > 0:26:29- If I can get you out of this room! - It's lovely.

0:26:29 > 0:26:33They say a smile is worth a thousand words.

0:26:33 > 0:26:35How true.

0:26:36 > 0:26:38There are some people here.

0:26:38 > 0:26:43- Good heavens!- They wanted to meet you. Come on, Cynthia.

0:26:43 > 0:26:45Watch the step.

0:26:45 > 0:26:48There you go. You go off and meet the people.

0:26:48 > 0:26:53Go and say hello to the people who made this possible. There you go.

0:26:53 > 0:26:55I can't see who everybody is.

0:26:55 > 0:26:59I'm so pleased we have been able to help Cynthia out.

0:26:59 > 0:27:01Such a lovely lady.

0:27:01 > 0:27:06And that is the result of hard work, elbow grease

0:27:06 > 0:27:10and a massive amount of community spirit.

0:27:12 > 0:27:16The local community have done themselves and Cynthia proud

0:27:16 > 0:27:19and the police are here to give their verdict.

0:27:19 > 0:27:22It's really good to see everybody here from the local community,

0:27:22 > 0:27:24neighbours, local tradesmen, all helping out,

0:27:24 > 0:27:28chipping in to make this lady feel safer in her home.

0:27:28 > 0:27:31It reinforces the fact that with community spirit and everybody

0:27:31 > 0:27:35getting involved, together with us, working hard, we will be successful.

0:27:42 > 0:27:46The main thing is that you feel happier and safer in your home.

0:27:46 > 0:27:50- All the locks and everything are so good.- Good.

0:28:23 > 0:28:26Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd