Police promise burglars a bleak Christmas

Using timer switches to operate lights can keep burglars guessing on whether your home is occupied and encourage them to give it a wide berth

Greater Manchester Police is pledging to put burglars out of business this Christmas by stepping up enforcement action and encouraging people to lock and light up their homes to keep criminals out in the cold.

Officers say that year–round clampdowns have resulted in a 15 per cent reduction in burglaries in the last 12 months to the end of October when compared to the same period in the previous year. This equates to 3,393 fewer victims of burglary over that time.

The latest clampdown took place over the Halloween weekend and saw the arrest of 89 burglars and 390 bail and curfew checks on known offenders.

Despite this police warn that people still need to be on their guard as criminal activity traditionally increases in the run up to Christmas. Thieves work under cover of darkness to target homes that appear empty and have valuables on display.

Over the next few weeks PCSOs will be patrolling burglary hotspots identifying these vulnerable homes. Residents will be advised on how to safeguard their homes and receive family crime reduction guides and timers that have been part-funded by the Greater Manchester High Sheriff's Police Trust.

Officers will also be offering crime reduction advice to commuters at rail, tram and bus stations at morning and evening rush periods and encouraging visitors to hardware stores to buy and fit stout locks, alarms, security lighting and timer switches.

Superintendent Mark Bell who leads Operation Storm, Greater Manchester Police’s fight against burglars, robbers and thieves said: “Though burglary is a distressing crime at any time of the year it can be particularly painful in the run up to Christmas when victims are deprived of the valuables that they may have been looking forward to giving to family and friends.

“Law-abiding citizens and criminals can be assured that there will be no let up in our efforts to bring offenders to justice to stop them spreading their misery at this special time of year.

“People can play their part by following simple crime reduction advice and reporting suspicious activity to us either directly on 0161 872 50 50 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“Recent research involving interviews with convicted burglars confirms that they love to work under cover of darkness to target empty properties. Using timer switches to operate lights can keep burglars guessing on whether your home is occupied and encourage them to give it a wide berth.

“Doing this, setting your burglar alarm and shutting and locking all doors and windows could help ensure that you have a safe and peaceful Christmas.”