Festive blitz on burglars

POLICE chiefs are promising a bleak Christmas for burglars by stepping up enforcement action and giving security advice.

Greater Manchester Police says year–round clampdowns have already resulted in a 15 per cent drop in burglaries in the last 12 months, when compared with the same period last year — equating to 3,393 fewer victims.

The latest clampdown took place over the Hallowe’en weekend and saw the arrest of 89 burglars and 390 bail and curfew checks on known offenders.

Despite this, officers warn that people still need to be on their guard as crime traditionally increases in the run up to Christmas as thieves work under cover of darkness to target homes that appear empty and have valuables on display.

Over the next few weeks PCSOs will patrol burglary hotspots identifying vulnerable homes.

Residents will be advised on how to safeguard their homes and receive crime reduction guides and timers that have been part-funded by the Greater Manchester High Sheriff’s Police Trust.

Officers will also be offering crime reduction advice to commuters at rail, tram and bus stations at morning and evening rush hours, and encouraging visitors to hardware stores to buy and fit stout locks, alarms, security lighting and timer switches.

Supt Mark Bell, who leads Operation Storm which targets burglars and robbers, said: “Though burglary is a distressing crime at any time of the year it can be particularly painful in the run up to Christmas when victims can be deprived of the gifts that they may have been looking forward to giving to family and friends.

“Law-abiding citizens and criminals can be assured that there will be no let up in our efforts to bring offenders to justice to stop them spreading their misery at this special time of year.

“People can play their part by following simple crime reduction advice and reporting suspicious activity to us either directly on 0161-872 5050 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111.