PCC Vera Baird QC welcomes burglary crackdown in run up to Christmas
15th December 2016
Northumbria Police is taking action to lock burglars out in the cold this winter as the force continues to crackdown on burglary.
As Christmas fast approaches burglars start to take advantage of festive opportunities to break into people’s homes.
To help combat this police will be writing to known burglars to warn them if they are caught burgling in the run up to Christmas they could see themselves spending the festive season behind bars and away from their family and friends.
Over the coming days letters will be sent to people who have been convicted of burglary in the past and police suspect
Chief Inspector Jerry Pearson said: “We are working tirelessly to target burglars and have had some great results recently where prolific burglars have been put in jail but we are not complacent and want to make sure we continue to stop burglars.
“Burglary has a huge impact on victims at any time of the year but especially in the run up to Christmas when gifts people have bought for their loved ones have been stolen and we are doing all we can to help prevent this from happening.
“Burglars, just like everyone else, will be looking forward to spending the festive season with family and friends but we’re warning them if they are caught committing burglary in the run up to Christmas they could find they are behind bars away from loved ones having a very lonely Christmas.”
Crime prevention plays a huge part in helping prevent burglary and police are also issuing some simple crime prevention advice to help stop thieves stealing someone’s Christmas.
An unlocked door is an open invitation to a burglar who see it as an easy opportunity, once inside they seek out the Christmas gifts people have bought for their loved ones.
And, presents under the tree clearly visible through a window is another invitation as burglars can see there is something worthwhile stealing inside – even it is wrapped they will take a chance it is valuable to them.
Ch Insp Pearson added: “We don’t want people to be fearful and think they are going to be targeted by burglars but we do want them to just be mindful and take a few simple crime prevention measures to safeguard themselves from burglars.”
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner and Chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, Vera Baird QC, said: “Burglary is an invasion of our home and it’s right that Northumbria Police do everything possible to catch those responsible.
“Reducing crime such as this is one of the priorities in my police and crime plan and I will continue to ensure that Northumbria Police is taking positive action to tackle these matters head on.
“I would urge members of the public to continue working with their local police officers to report anything which seems out of the ordinary and take on board the crime prevention advice – it can make a big difference in helping make our neighbourhoods safer places to live.
“If you do find you have become a victim you can contact Victims First Northumbria for support.”
Crime prevention advice includes:
- Lock doors both, front and back, even if you are in the property and especially at night.
- Don’t leave presents under the Christmas tree that can be seen from the street.
- Be mindful when you are taking gifts into the house from the car, try and cover them as much as possible.
- Don’t store valuable Christmas gifts in an insecure garage, shed or outbuilding.
- Once Christmas presents have been opened be mindful of how the box it came in is disposed of. Leaving the box of an expensive TV by the bin is an open advert to burglars there is a brand new state of the art TV in the house.
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