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Extra security after DWP office windows smashed

Businesses react to possible parking restrictions
Extra security after DWP office windows smashed

Union bosses claim Crown House in Grimsby has been targeted multiple times over the past two years.

Security at a government office in Grimsby has been increased after vandalism and antisocial behaviour left staff feeling unsafe.

Crown House, which is used by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), has been targeted multiple times over the past two years, according to the FDA union.

The Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes MP, Melanie Onn, wrote to the minister for transformation, Andrew Western, expressing her concerns after a recent incident which saw several windows smashed.

A spokesperson for DWP said they were aware of the damage and no staff had been injured. They added: "As an additional precaution, we have strengthened our security presence and safety measures on site."

Matt Newman, the FDA officer representing DWP workers, said other incidents at the site included harassment, antisocial behaviour, drug use and drug paraphernalia being found near building entrances.

Some staff, particularly women, told the union that they do not feel safe leaving the building alone, Newman added.

Humberside Police said it had received reports of criminal damage and broken windows at a premises on Garibaldi Street between 5 and 6 July.

Additional security measures

In response to Onn, Western said a security review had been carried out and additional measures had been put in place.

Onn said Western had also agreed to visit the site to speak to staff.

"They should be able to come to work feeling safe and secure, and the concerns they have raised about their safety must be heard," she said.

"I'm pleased that the recent incidents of vandalism are being investigated, and I hope those responsible are identified and held accountable."

Despite the new measures, Newman said FDA members continued to report concerns and said "underlying issues" had not been resolved.

"While we acknowledge the steps taken so far, they amount to little more than tinkering around the edges," Newman added.

"Crown House is fast becoming one of the most unsafe government buildings in the country and yet the DWP continues to be reluctant to engage constructively with us, particularly regarding longer-term solutions."

The DWP said there was no reason to believe the attacks were specifically targeted towards its staff and said it would continue to review security measures.

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