KEEP THE BURGLAR IN THE DARK!
Police are warning people in Macclesfield Borough not to let dark winter nights provide a way back for burglars who’ve been pushed out in the cold.
The system of targeting criminals and a series of special campaigns by Police and partner agencies have brought the burglary rate down dramatically.
But Detective Chief Inspector Phil Jones says that if householders are careless that progress could all be thrown away as longer nights offer cover for criminals.
Shorter days always show an increase in the burglary rate. Winter means longer working hours for the burglar. In 2004, for instance, the number of burglaries rose from 96 in September to 130 in October - a thirty per cent increase.
“Having your home broken into is a devastating experience and some very simple measures can deter a lot of burglars.
“The most basic precaution is to lock your doors and windows, even when you’re at home. About one in three of all our burglaries are carried out through open or unlocked doors and windows, and the sneak-thief has a much easier time if it’s dark.
“When you’re out, it’s a good idea to make your home look occupied. Look back at the house as you leave it, and take ten seconds to really think about how it appears. If it’s showing every sign of being unoccupied, just take the time to nip back and switch a light on.
“Time switches are cheap and effective and especially useful as the days really get shorter and it’s dark while you’re still at work.
“More and more people nowadays take an Autumn break. If you’re doing that think about asking a neighbour to call in from time to time and switch lights on and off.
“As an extension of this, Homewatch schemes provide some real self-help against crime. If there’s one in your area we’d advise you to join up. If not, why not think about forming one?”
Most burglars are caught because information from the public is pulled together and analysed. This can give Police officers the idea of a particular area which is getting the attention of a burglar, or sometimes the likely identity of the burglar himself. He then becomes a target who is followed, observed and, if appropriate, arrested.
Once again, says Phil Jones, it’s vital that people get involved.
“Most burglars will spend time weighing up a property before breaking into it. If you see anyone acting suspiciously, call us. We may send an officer straight round, but even more often a description of someone, or of the vehicle they’re using, proves to be the vital link we need to identify an active burglar.
“Preventing a burglary is much better than detecting it. Householders have a duty to protect their homes and most of the measures they can take aren’t difficult or expensive.
