Hallowe’en cops go a knockin...

A HALLOWE’EN crime crackdown led to 89 arrests and 390 bail and curfew checks on known offenders across Greater Manchester.

Police stepped up the fight against burglary in anticipation of a seasonal increase in offences linked to the onset of darker evenings and the run up to Christmas.

Crime-reduction advisers and PCSOs visited more than 9,400 addresses across the region to advise residents to leave lights on as darkness falls earlier to deter burglars seeking empty properties to target.

The crackdown was part of Operation Storm which was set up in July, 2009, in a bid to reduce burglaries, robberies and car theft. Since then it has helped to make 3,258 arrests.

Officers say that in the 12 months to the end of October this year there has been a 15 per cent reduction in burglaries when compared with the same period in the previous year. This means that there have been 3,393 fewer victims of burglary over that time.

They warn however that though burglaries continue to decrease, residents need to stay on their guard to avoid becoming a victim of crime.

Det Supt Mark Bell who leads Operation Storm said: “Burglary is a distressing crime that deprives victims of valued possessions and can leave them feeling frightened and vulnerable in their own homes.

“Through crackdowns such as this one we will continue to target these heartless criminals to stop them spreading misery in our communities.

“People can play their part by following simple crime reduction advice and reporting suspicious activity to us either directly on 0161 872 50 50 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“Leaving a light on can keep burglars guessing on whether your home is occupied and encourage them to give it a wide berth.”