Stop inviting thieves into homes

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Local residents are continuing to invite burglars into their homes by leaving valuables on show and doors unlocked.

In the past four weeks 42 homes have been burgled while the owner was inside, with many having handbags, mobile phones and car keys stolen.  Nearly 30 of these burglaries were committed because doors were left unlocked and on three occasions vehicles were taken as a result.

Police in Rochdale, Middleton and Heywood are urging residents to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity down their streets, in particular when people are arriving home from work or picking up children from schools.

Jackie Dickinson, Crime Reduction Adviser for the Rochdale Division said: “People assume that when they are at home, their property is automatically protected as no-one would break in while they’re there.  

“Unfortunately that is not the case and we are seeing more offenders targeting homes while someone is there, as chances are the doors will have been left unlocked.  These thieves are out there looking for the slightest opportunity to steal and will sneak in through an open door or window and be out again before the resident even knows they’ve been there.

“Our advice is to lock the door behind you and close the windows, don’t give criminals the invitation they are looking for to steal from you.”

Patrols are being increased and operations targeting known offenders are taking place across Rochdale, Middleton and Heywood to prevent these crimes from happening.

Ms Dickinson continued: “Local residents can also help out.  Keep an eye on your street and other people’s houses too, report anything suspicious especially if you notice anyone looking through windows and trying doors.

“Arrange with your neighbours to keep an eye on each other’s homes and please remember to keep doors and windows locked, even when you’re at home.”

Greater Manchester Police can be contacted at any time on 0161 872 5050 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.