PCC Vera Baird QC praises results of burglary operation
16th August 2016
Police have made 27 arrests during a burglary operation focusing on tackling offenders.
Officers across Northumberland and North Tyneside got the operation underway at the end of July. It initially ran for a week and was extended as officers continue to target active burglars.
Between July 25 and August 7, of those arrested 12 have been charged with offences, one summonsed and one person cautioned. Ten have been bailed pending further enquiries and three released without charge.
Officers also carried out search warrants, searching seven address and recovered over 75 items of stolen property – this included three cars previously stolen when homes were burgled. Other items recovered include drugs, mobile phones, cash, perfume and tools.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird QC, said: “I have ensured that Northumbria Police has been proactive in tackling burglary and know the Chief Constable shares my determination in making sure this issue is treated as priority.
“Officers are working closely with the local residents and partners to help prevent these crimes and I hope this operation demonstrates loud and clear that Northumbria Police is taking a strong stance against criminals who commit burglary and they will be brought to justice.
“I urge local residents to take the advice on board and report anything suspicious so that police can investigate and take firm action.”
Superintendent Mick Paterson of Northern Area Command said: “We’re pleased with the results of this latest police operation and we want people, and criminals in particular, to know that we’re keeping up the pressure to stamp out this crime.
“Concentrating our resources in areas which have experienced these crimes is really paying off. We’ve been targeting suspects and ensuring we make the most of all forensic opportunities to gather evidence so we can put offenders before the courts.
“This is just part of our approach, we’re also asking residents to help us by keeping their homes secure. Many of the burglaries reported to us occur in homes where doors or windows have been left unlocked.
“Unfortunately many of these crimes are opportunistic and we know criminals will walk around areas simply trying doors to see if they’re unlocked. If so they will literally walk in and steal whatever is to hand.
“These types of crime are upsetting for residents and we want to help them do what they can to prevent being a victim of this crime.”
During the operation police have been offering crime prevention and home security advice to people in the community far and wide. Officers have been speaking to visitors at Wooler’s Farmers market promoting Farmwatch, Riverside Caravan Park, Berwick town centre, Hexham food festival and Kirkley Hall summer fair in Northumberland. Officers also set up their crime prevention stall in North Tyneside at the Killingworth Centre, Segedunum Roman Fort in Wallsend, North Tyneside General Hospital, The Oxford Centre, Rising Sun Country Park and the Beacon Centre in North Shields.
Officers have also been ably assisted by volunteer Police Cadets who have handed out more than 300 crime prevention leaflets to householders on the doorsteps of Wallsend.
Police are continuing to carry out burglary prevention patrols and offer crime prevention advice to residents.
Supt Paterson added: “These efforts are making a difference and we’ve had some great feedback from residents who are pleased to speak to officers to find out how they can keep their homes safe. By working together with residents and our partners at the local authorities we can really make a difference and help to keep people safe.”
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