Major burglary reduction campaign sees results
A major burglary reduction campaign launched by North Yorkshire Police has already made a positive impact.
Responding to an increase in reported incidents of house burglaries from the beginning of April, the force launched Operation Haven which is a year-long initiative aimed at reversing an upward trend in reported offences. Figures revealed a 13.8% increase in domestic burglary compared to the same period last year (1 April - 13 May). This equates to 230 offences compared to 202 the previous year.
Since the launch of the force-wide crackdown in mid-May, the trend has been steadily slowing as the coordinated approach takes effect. Figures now show a reduced increase of 2.9%, with 468 offences reported for 1 April to 26 June 2011 compared to 455 for the same period last year.
The campaign has a two-pronged approach to tackle the issue. On the one hand there is the operational policing tactics to prevent and detect offences. There is also the promotion of crime prevention measures to help secure homes and increasing awareness of this type of crime.
Detective Chief Inspector Heather Pearson, who is leading the operation, said: "The increase in dwelling burglaries is a primary concern for North Yorkshire Police. Although it is a national trend with rises recorded in several parts of the country, it is a trend that we want to halt and reverse in North Yorkshire and the City of York.
"The targeting of your home followed closely by the theft or damage of personal possessions often has devastating and lasting effect on the homeowners and their family, and also within the nearby community. Research shows that dwelling burglary is one of the crimes most feared because it is so personally invasive. With this campaign we will be doing all we can to continue to target the current rise and keep our communities as safe and secure as possible."
DCI Pearson added: "The economic climate is partly to blame for the increase, but the majority of offences are committed by a small number of prolific offenders. We will be adopting a hard-line approach to this problem and will relentlessly pursue these individuals.
"Travelling criminals who cross the border from neighbouring counties remain a problem too. However, we will seek those responsible and track them down no matter where they live, as a number of recent arrests in the West Yorkshire area have shown."
Some simple crime prevention measures can help prevent house holders from becoming a victim of crime.
It is important that people adopt at least the most basic of these, said DCI Pearson.
"Locking doors, even while you are in the house, is a must. Lock windows and doors when you go out and do not leave tempting valuables on view. Many burglaries are committed by opportunist thieves who literally see an opportunity to steal something and take it. Usually because it has been left on view, unlocked or unattended."
She added: "This is particularly important at present with the spell of good weather when homeowners will be spending time outdoors. We all want to enjoy the good weather and this sometimes involves spending time in the garden, but please make sure other areas of your property are secure at all times. An opportunist thief will take advantage of the good weather and target vulnerable properties."
To support Operation Haven, a number of tools have been developed to assist residents with crime prevention and improved security:
Free app - HomeSecure - Pocket-sized Home security app
North Yorkshire Police have created a pocket-sized home security app for mobile phones, called HomeSecure. Features include a checklist which people can use when going out or on holiday; help with joining or setting up a Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) scheme; and technical information to refer to when buying or installing doors, burglar alarms and lots of other advice. The app can be downloaded from http://homesecure.nyp.mobi
Home security survey
Police have also produced a DIY home security check-list designed to help residents assess their current security arrangements.
The survey will be online here shortly.
Nominated Neighbour Scheme
To help prevent distraction burglaries and rogue trader activities, North Yorkshire Police is promoting the Nominated Neighbour Scheme which encourages elderly and vulnerable residents to seek assistance from a trusted neighbour to help deal with cold callers.
The idea is for the homeowner to hold up a card to the window or door telling the caller that they do not recognise them and to go to their Nominated Neighbour. That neighbour will then check the caller's identity. A genuine caller will not mind following the instructions on the card and those with a criminal motive will make off very quickly.
Whatever happens, it is vital that any suspicious behaviour is reported to the police immediately.
For more information on the scheme please go to the North Yorkshire Police website -www.northyorkshire.police.uk/neighbour - where you can download the Nominated Neighbour card. Your local Safer Neighbourhood Team officers and PCSOs will be able to assist and offer further advice on the scheme.
If you have information about people committing this type of offence please contact North Yorkshire Police on 0845 60 60 24 7. If you would prefer to pass information anonymously you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Crime prevention advice
There is also a range of crime prevention advice on the force website ranging from simple but effective tips, to a technical guide to the best types of locks to fit.
Throughout the campaign we will be using Twitter and Facebook to remind people of our top-tips for burglary prevention.
If you see a crime in progress, please dial 999, or to report a crime or if you have any information about suspected criminal activity, please call police on 0845 60 60 24 7. Or you can give information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. You do not have to give your name and you could qualify for a cash reward.
The most common types of burglary recorded in North Yorkshire are:
Sneak-in - opportunist and unplanned
Sneak-in burglaries tend to be committed by local offenders with a good knowledge of the local area. More often than not, these offences are opportunist with no pre-planning. Usually carried out by drug addicts to pay off their drug debts. They take full advantage of people who leave their valuables on show and doors and windows unlocked.
35% of all burglaries across England and Wales are committed by opportunist thieves.
Two-in-one burglaries
"2 in 1 burglaries" are where the thieves break into a house to get their hands on the keys to vehicles parked on the drive. These offences tend to be organised and pre-planned and are usually committed by offenders from out of the county. Often the vehicles are stolen to order and only a small number are recovered, mainly in the West Yorkshire area. The Harrogate, Craven and Selby districts are often targeted by this type of criminal, travelling over force borders from West Yorkshire.
Distraction burglaries
Distraction burglaries are where the householder is tricked by a caller into allowing them into their home with the intention to steal from the property or deceive the householder into parting with property or cash. This is particularly distressing crime as offenders often target the elderly or vulnerable.
Crimestoppers' research shows the average age of a victim of distraction burglary is 81.
Victims of distraction burglary can suffer physically and emotionally with some suffering a decline in health as a result of the trauma caused.
North Yorkshire Police is the fourth best force in England and Wales for detecting distraction burglaries and led a national investigation into a prolific gang of distraction burglars. As a result three men from Middlesex were jailed for a total of 21 years earlier this year.
Forced entry
Forced entry burglaries are usually organised with an element of planning and targeting with the offenders having an idea of the property they wish to steal.
4.18pm - 5 July 2011