Vera Baird welcomes proactive operations to tackle burglary
29th September 2016
Think crime prevention this autumn – in a bid to stay safe and beat the burglar.
That’s the message from Northumbria Police as the evenings start to draw in.
Typically at this time of year police can see a rise in the numbers of burglaries to homes and sheds as the darker evenings can make it easier for criminals to slip inside insecure properties under the cover of darkness. To stop this happening police want to equip residents with the necessary crime prevention advice to stay crime free.
Vera Baird QC, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner and Chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, said: “Taking a strong stance against those who commit burglary is a top priority for me. I welcome all proactive operations to target those responsible and will ensure our officers continue working with local residents to help them keep their homes safe and secure .
“I urge anyone who sees anything suspicious to contact the police. If officers are informed they can investigate and do everything within their power to bring offenders before the courts.”
Chief Inspector Jamie Pitt, of Northern Area Command said: “It just takes a few seconds to check that your doors and windows are locked securely, they really are the first defence against a burglar, and this will give you peace of mind.
“Only too often we’re called to a burglary after a front door has been left unlocked – this makes it easy for a criminal to get into your home and steal whatever they can lay their hands on, it could be your phone, wallet, purse or car keys.
“These types of crimes are extremely upsetting for families and can very easily be avoided.
“By taking this advice on board, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to an opportunist thief or burglar.”
Officers in neighbourhood teams across Northumberland and North Tyneside are making sure they patrol areas which have previously had burglaries reported to help prevent further crimes. Police are continuing to target known burglars and officers are also asking people to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to them.
Ch Insp Pitt added: “If you see or hear someone acting suspiciously, walking down your street peering into windows and trying door handles then ring 101 and report it straightway. You could prevent your neighbour from having their property stolen.
Take note of our top tips to prevent crime:
Ensure windows and doors are always securely locked – even when you’re at home
Remove all valuables and keys from within easy reach of doors or windows where they can be easily taken
Never leave property such as gardening equipment, tools and bikes unattended outside – store them in locked sheds or garages
Take care of your personal property – don’t leave belongings including mobile phones, bikes, handbags and wallets unattended
For more crime prevention advice visit the Northumbria Police website at http://www.northumbria.police.uk/advice_and_information/crime_prevention/home_security/
People are encouraged to sign up with free national property register www.immobilise.com, which ensures if property is stolen and later recovered it can be returned to the rightful owner. It also makes it difficult for thieves to dispose of stolen property and profit from their crimes.
Residents are also urged to report anything unusual or suspicious they see in their community to police on 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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