Theft is a black and white issue for police

PROLIFIC thieves are to be targeted during a county-wide ‘Operation Magpie’ campaign.

Beginning last week, Staffordshire Police will continue with efforts to disrupt the cycle of theft and handling of stolen goods by targeting students, homeowners and businesses with crime prevention advice.

Throughout the campaign, offenders will also be targeted by intelligence-led operational activity concentrated on searching for people who are wanted on warrant and for those who are named as suspects.

The force has seen an eight per cent increase in the number of offences, ranging from residential and nonresidential burglaries to theft of motor vehicles in the past 12 months.

Detective Superintendent Colin Mattinson, said: “How we tackle theft and offenders handling stolen goods is business as usual for our neighbourhood teams, however through this co-ordinated campaign we aim to send out a clear message to would-be offenders that there are serious consequences to their actions.

“We would also like to provide reassurance to Staffordshire’s communities that we are working to disrupt offender activity through a number of tactics. One of which is working with second-hand traders to stop the passage of stolen goods.

“We are also engaging with students as they begin university to ensure they do not become victims of crime, while also reminding homeowners of secure property measures.

“Theft of belongings, whether personal or business-related, can have a profound effect on victims and I am confident this campaign will further support the work already evident across the county and will deter criminals from committing these crimes.

To help protect yourself from being a victim of crime, read the crime prevention advice at www.staffordshire. police.uk/crimeprevention.

You can also register your belongings on immobilise national property register. It’s free and takes just a few minutes and if your valuables are stolen it will allow you to tell the police, your insurer and second-hand traders to assist in recovering your property and catch the thief.

You can also be kept up-to-date by joining Staffordshire Police’s community messaging service, Smart Alert, which will keep you informed of crimes in your area at www. staffordshiresmartalert.uk.