Police warn not to let heatwave become a crimewave

Eleven homes have been burgled over the last week in Rochdale by criminals taking advantage of people leaving doors and windows open in a bid to stay cool during the current warm weather.

Police are warning householders to be on their guard as weather forecasters predict a hot and humid summer.

More than one in three burglaries are down to thieves entering homes that have been left insecure when residents are in another part of the house or in their garden.

Neighbourhood patrols and roadside police checks in burglary hotspot areas, targeting of known offenders with checks on bail and curfew conditions and search warrants on their homes to search for stolen property have all been stepped up by police determined to drive down burglary across the county.

Officers and PCSOs are also working with residents to advise and support them in how they can safeguard their homes from criminals through the use of burglar alarms, quality locks and security lighting.

Detective Chief Superintendent Russ Jackson who is leading Greater Manchester Police’s fight against burglars said: “We are determined to drive burglaries down in our county and put offenders behind bars.

“The hot weather brings extra challenges and I would urge people to follow the simple advice of locking doors and windows and using their alarms to stop them falling prey to this distressing crime.

“People can also help us by reporting suspicious and criminal behaviour either to us directly on 0161 872 5050 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Information from the public is vital in bringing criminals to justice and can mean the difference between us having a watertight case or not enough evidence to secure a conviction.

“We want people to have a safe summer and enjoy the good weather – something that they can do more confidently if they have made sure their homes are secure.”