Police domestic burglary warning

Date published: 19/01/2007

Police are warning people in Rochdale that over the next few weeks a seasonal swell could lead to an increase in domestic burglaries unless the public start locking doors and shutting windows.

Though the long-term downward trend in burglary is continuing, seasonal trends predict a short, sharp increase around this time of the year.

Officers are working tirelessly across the Force to combat this seasonal rise, with high profile police patrols and covert operations targeting burglary hotspots and prolific offenders. Targeted awareness campaigns are also being used to warn residents of the opportunistic nature of burglars and the importance of keeping their homes secure.

In one in three burglaries, people have been targeted because they have left their doors unlocked or a window open. Burglaries could easily be reduced by a third just by shutting and locking doors and windows.

Police say there are some cases of burglars simply walking up a street trying each front door until they find one unlocked. They then enter and make a quick grab for portable valuables such as wallets, purses, handbags, mobile phones and keys.  These keys may then be used to steal the cars on the drive. The burglars are in and out before residents have noticed and they rely heavily on people making the entry and exit easy for them.

Some insurance companies will not pay out on these crimes because the property has not been appropriately secured, increasing the misery of being a burglary victim.

GMP is keen to assure people that they are doing everything they can to combat the problem and have put in place special operations and allocated extra officers.  They are however stressing that they cannot do this on their own and are urging members of the public to join the fight against the burglars.

People are being advised to:

• Shut and lock all external doors and windows that a burglar could use to get in – whether they are at home or not. 
• Get a burglar alarm fitted and remember to switch it on every time they go out or go to bed.
• Leave a light on when you go out, or better still get some plug-in timer controls and using them to automatically switch some lights on at dusk

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Seabridge from Greater Manchester Police said: "What we are asking, is for people to pay extra attention when securing their homes.  We are finding that many people are returning home from work or picking their children up from school, shutting the door behind them but not locking it.  What then happens is that when they are busy, either preparing tea or helping out with the homework, burglars are sneaking into their homes.

"These people are opportunistic, if you secure your home properly, you will dramatically reduce your chances of becoming a victim of crime.

"While we are keen to seek the public’s assistance in helping us to reduce burglary, we also want to assure people we are doing everything we can to tackle this distressing crime."