Burglaries up - secure your home

Burglar

During May there were 155 reports of burglaries across the borough compared to 137 during the same period the previous year. Of those burglaries 53 were a result of people leaving doors and windows open or unlocked.

To tackle the problem, police community support officers will be patrolling communities actively looking for insecurities and posting warning cards through people’s doors.

Sergeant Philip Barlow, from the Operation Policing Unit of Rochdale Division, said: “We know that in warmer weather people like to leave their windows open but our advice to the public is to ensure that all vulnerable windows and doors are kept locked even when you are in your home.

“Our research shows that one in three burglaries happen as a result of people leaving their windows open like this and by taking these simple precautions you can prevent yourself from being a victim of crime.”

Lee Durrant, Rochdale’s Community Safety Officer at Rochdale Borough Council, added: ”The majority of crimes can be avoided if people take a few extra precautions to protect their property. Simple things like keeping valuables out of sight and storing away garden furniture and equipment in a secure shed can reduce your chances of being a victim this summer.”

For more information on preventing crime, please call Brian Farr on 0161 856 8478 or Jackie Dickinson on 0161 856 8475.

The council’s community safety team can offer practical security advice and arrange for home security surveys free of charge. For more information dial 01706 924982.