50 homes a day are targeted by burglars
BURGLARS in Greater Manchester targeted houses nearly 50 times a day last year.
Exclusive analysis of police records shows that there were 18,028 burglaries in our region during the 12 months ending in June 2018.
This works out at 49 a day on average. The total was up from 15,668 during the same period in 2017. The figure includes 292 aggravated burglaries, which are those committed when a burglar is carrying a firearm, an imitation firearm or any other weapon or explosive.
It also includes 143 distraction burglaries.
A distraction burglary happens when a criminal uses tricks or distractions to gain access to premises.
That might include pretending to be an official or company representative, a door-to-door salesperson or a care worker.
Of the 18,028 domestic burglaries, 4,616 happened between October and December 2017, which brings the daily average to more than 50 burglaries over the last three months of the year.
The year to June 2018 also saw 4,868 attempted burglaries.
Our region follows the national trend. Police forces across England and Wales recorded 247,910 domestic burglaries in the year ending in June 2018, up from 189,010 recorded during the year ending June 2017.
There were also 3,133 distraction burglaries and 43,604 attempted burglaries. According to the police, homes with no security measures in place are five times more likely to be burgled than those with simple security measures.
Good window locks and strong deadlocks can make a big difference.
The police also advise locking doors and windows every time you leave the house, even when you’re just out in the garden.
People are also advised to ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on their property, or leave radios or lights on a timer to make a property appear occupied.
Police also suggest keeping ladders and tools stored away.