Police launch dark nights crackdown

Burglary

Police are urging residents to lock out offenders after latest figures show there were an extra 200 victims of burglary this year.

The Force is launching its latest crackdown on offenders who use the cloak of darkness as an opportunity to commit crime after figures show that between August 2012 and September 2013 there were 15,463 burglaries.

Officers will be knocking on doors, patrolling the streets and conducting police warrants in a bid to bring down burglary, personal robbery and mobile phone theft.

GMP’s Assistant Chief Constable Steve Heywood, said: “In the last three years burglary has reduced across the Force by eight per cent to fewer than 15,500 burglaries. However, this is still not good enough and we want to see it come down even further.

“Burglary doesn’t just leave a person without their prized valuables but can also make them feel upset at the thought of someone else having been in their home rummaging through their possessions. Many victims are left feeling vulnerable and blame themselves for being tricked by a burglar.

“While the aim of this operation is to bring in known offenders before they cause trouble we also want communities to help us to help them by following simple steps such as using a light timer and locking windows and doors. Easy measures like these can be the difference that prevents you from becoming a victim of crime.

“While crimes such as personal robbery and burglary are increasingly common as the clocks go back we want this operation to prevent our community from suffering at the hands of criminality.”

Extra foot patrols will be in place at key times to catch and deter offenders. Officers will make use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to put a stop to cross border offending.

An advertising van will also be used to publicise GMP’s most wanted offenders in the areas they live and conduct their criminality.

ACC Heywood added: “Our officers continue to collect information on suspected offenders and will be going to their doors to take them to the cells. I will personally make sure it is a long winter for those involved in crime.”

A series of 60-second videos have been produced by GMP to highlight ways to secure your home. From setting a light timer and fitting a window shock alarm to marking your valuables with a property marking pen all of the key home security methods are covered.

The cheap and environmentally friendly deterrent of a low-energy light bulb can cost less than a penny a day and makes your home less vulnerable.

If you have information on suspected criminals in your area call police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.