Police urge residents to be secure

Photo: Laura Wild

Chief Superintendent John O’Hare, Inspector Steve Clarke, PC Angela Bullock, PCSOs Alan Hall and Amanda Heathcote, Crime Reduction Adviser Jacqui Bell and Community Safety Officer Yvonne Pickering

3 More Image(s) In Gallery

Police from Rochdale headed out this morning (Tuesday 7August 2010) to warn residents in the Spotland area of the borough to keep their houses safe and secure.

The area has suffered from a spate of burglaries recently and the officers want to ensure no more burglaries happen.

Rochdale Online reporter Laura Wild joined members of the force on their trip…

At 9.30am I was picked up by a police van, which was occupied by Chief Superintendent John O’Hare, Inspector Steve Clarke, PC Angela Bullock, PCSOs Alan Hall and Amanda Heathcote, Crime Reduction Adviser Jacqui Bell and Community Safety Officer Yvonne Pickering.

We took a short drive from Rochdale town centre to Clement Royds Street, just off Spotland Road.

There, Inspector Clarke briefed the team, we then split into two groups and went in different directions.

The teams’ aim was to look for open windows and doors, and explain to people in the houses that their insecurities could result in them being the victim of a burglary.

For the houses that had windows open, but no one home, the officers placed a leaflet in the shape of a footprint through the window which read: “Fortunately for you, this time it was a police officer who visited your home, the next footprint you see could belong to a burglar.”

At a time when there has been a high number of burglaries I expected residents to have their homes very secure.

However, I was surprised to see many people with numerous windows open and even their back doors. If these people kept their doors and windows locked they could prevent a burglary.

Some of the residents were unphased by the possibility of a burglary whilst others were keen to take in the message from the police and make an effort to keep their homes more secure.

One home had a barb wire fences, a guard dog and security gate over the back door, however, a window was open wide enough for a person to fit through and steal personal belongings.

Overall the response from the public was positive, and I noticed numerous people were keen to make their homes more secure – maybe if just one of all the people visited today locked their windows tonight that could be one less victim.

Inspector Steve Clarke said: “The whole idea is to raise awareness, we want to reduce the number of burglaries and make people aware. We want residents to take the threat of burglary seriously and we welcome any support that helps us to help them.

“We have had a mixed response, some residents asked for several leaflets so they can pass them on to their friends which is good.

“Sometimes people are not fully aware and they leave their windows open but at least we can encourage them to shut them in future.”

I enjoyed my trip out with the officers, and I hope that people will endeavour to keep their homes secure.

The police are also offering the following advice to help protect homes against burglars:

• Keep windows locked but if you need to open them, ensure you lock them when you leave the room
• Keep all external doors locked, even when you are in
• Use light timer switches or simply leave a light on when you are out to give the impression someone is at home
• Always set your burglar alarm when you go to bed
• Mark all valuables with a UV pen, to include your postcode and house number or first two letters of your house name
• Never leave car or house keys near window sills, in porches or hallways
• Put keys and valuables away and out of sight, preferably in a locked drawer or cabinet