Crime crackdown is a storming success

GREATER Manchester has enjoyed a 9 per cent drop in burglaries over the past year thanks to hard-hitting police operations.

There has been 1,000 fewer burglaries from April to October compared with the same period last year.

The decrease comes at a time when many forces across the country have experienced increases of up to 10 per cent over the last 18 months.

Greater Manchester Police has vowed to continue the use of high impact tactics — such as Operation Storm — to reduce burglaries and increase convictions.

In the first four days of a renewed offensive, 380 people were arrested and 123 raids were carried out on the properties of suspected criminals.

However, police are warning residents not to let their guard down as darker nights loom and Christmas approaches.

Preventative measures such as locking doors and windows, using alarms when you go out or go to bed and leaving lights on can reduce the chances of falling prey to burglars.

One in three burglaries are still down to people leaving doors and windows open.

Police say a key component of the success of Operation Storm has been information provided by the public of suspicious activity.

Information from Crimestoppers has increased by up to a third and officers are keen for residents to keep the flow going, either directly to them on 0161-872 5050 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.

Advances in forensics and investigation techniques adapted from dealing with major incidents are also playing a part in taking the fight against burglary to the offenders.

Chief Supt Russ Jackson, who is leading Operation Storm, said: “Though officers are pleased to see statistics such as these, what really gives them job satisfaction is that there are more than a thousand families out there whose lives have not been blighted by this horrible crime.

“We are working hard to ensure that burglars are in no doubt aware that we are on their case and if they offend they will be bought to justice. Importantly, these successful operations provide reassurance and increase confidence in local officers.

“We are winning the battles but the war continues and I would urge the public to continue providing information to us directly or anonymously through Crimestoppers and follow the simple advice given here to keep themselves and their property safe.”