Don't
become a Spring Burglary victim!
Police in East Cheshire are warning people not to let burglary
blossom in the Spring.
They say the arrival of warmer weather traditionally brings an
increase in break-ins as people unwittingly invite criminals into
their homes.
Inspector Nigel Groom, head of the Cheshire Police Eastern Area
Burglary Unit said, "At this time of year people begin spending
more time outside and everything becomes a bit more relaxed.
They leave the door unlocked because they are not very far away.
They don’t think about the possibility of someone nipping into
their home while they are just a few yards down the garden path.
But it happens!"
"We are running a campaign to encourage people to keep doors
locked at all times, whether you are in or out of the house.
A third of all burglaries in this area are carried out by criminals
who specialise in sneak-ins. They are just looking for a door
that isn't locked. Simply turning a key can be a very effective
bit of crime prevention."
"During Spring and summer, people also leave garden tools
lying about; sometimes overnight. That is an invitation to a criminal,
too. A spade, trowel or hoe turns into a lever for forcing
a door or window open. Tools should be kept locked away
when they’re not in use. If they are in a shed make sure the
hasp is fitted firmly and use a good quality padlock.
It’s also a good idea to padlock tools together. It makes
them more difficult to move and use."
"We spend a lot of time
identifying and arresting burglars and collecting evidence
to prosecute them, but people must accept responsibility
for protecting their homes against crime."
"Keep an eye open for anyone acting suspiciously in your
neighbourhood.
Burglars usually spend some time looking round to locate
a vulnerable house and the sneak-in burglars will dodge in
and out of gardens, trying doors. If you see anyone behaving
in a way that causes you concern, call the Cheshire Police
Information line, 101 and report it. You may
prevent your neighbours, or yourself, from becoming victims
of crime."
JANE THIRSK
Watch Officer
Cheshire Police
Macclesfield Neighbourhood Policing Team 0845 458 6371
Police non-emergency number: 101
Other Homewatch pages of current relevance: Briefs (recent
crimes in the Macclesfield Division including Bollington, Kerridge
and Pott Shrigley).
If you haven't looked at the homewatch pages before we recommend
looking at the homewatch home page.
