Police target burglars in week of action

Police are targeting burglars during a week-long operation.

Officers in Northumberland and North Tyneside will be patrolling the streets in hot spot areas that have been targeted by burglars to prevent further offences and give reassurance to residents.

Police are targeting offenders and increasing their activity to deter criminals and are working with partners including local authorities to give householders crime prevention advice.

This week, neighbourhood officers are offering people the opportunity to get crime prevention advice. They will be at the following locations in Northumberland:

Today

Riverside Caravan Park reception area, Wooler, until 4pm.

Wednesday, July 27

Farmers’ market, Wooler, promoting the benefits of Farmwatch to visitors, 11am to 2pm.

Thursday, July 28

Outside Marks and Spencer store in Berwick town centre, 11am to 4pm.

Saturday, July 30

Hexham Food Festival, speak to neighbourhood officers on patrol during the day for advice.

Sunday, July 31

Kirkley Hall Summer Fair, speak to neighbourhood officers on patrol during the day for advice.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird QC, said: “Operations like this clearly demonstrate that Northumbria Police is listening to local residents and is working hard to drive down crime and ensure those responsible are caught and put before the courts.

“I will make sure that tackling burglary continues to be a top priority for our officers and urge residents to keep working with your neighbourhood police teams, take crime prevention steps to protect your property and report anything suspicious so the police can take firm action.”

Superintendent Mick Paterson, of Northern Area Command, said: “Crime prevention plays a crucial part in helping reduce the number of burglaries – and the chances of a home being broken into. This includes making sure properties are secure and look occupied.

“We know it’s all too easy for a sneak-in thief to help themselves to your hard-earned property. Our advice is don’t make it easy for them – keep it locked and secure.

“Residents are our eyes and ears, so if you see anything suspicious in your community or have information about those involved in burglaries where you live, let us know straight away so we can investigate.

“Officers are working to ensure our priority is catching offenders who commit burglaries and taking them off our streets to keep our communities safe.”

Coun Liz Simpson, chairman of the Safer Northumberland Partnership, said: “We know the traumatic effect burglaries can have on people and we are fully supportive of this police operation to crack down on this kind of crime.

“We’d also encourage residents to follow this simple police advice to play their part in keeping crime low in the county.”

Advice from Northumbria Police to help prevent burglary includes:

l Ensure windows and doors are always securely locked - even when you are at home

l Fit outside security lighting and an alarm, and consider the use of CCTV

l Use timer lights to come on when it’s dark or if you’re going to be out at night

l Avoid leaving valuables and keys within easy reach of doors and windows where they can be easily taken

l Try to keep car keys and house keys on separate fobs.

If you see someone acting suspiciously where you live, call police straightaway on 101, you could help to prevent a crime.

For more crime prevention information, visit http://www.northumbria.police.uk/advice_and_information/crime_prevention/home_security/