Burglars are given open door into victims’ homes
POLICE CALLING FOR RESIDENTS TO PROTECT THEMSELVES AGAINST CRIMINALS
Police are urging residents to stop sneak thieves in their tracks as figures reveal an increase in burglaries.
With the darker nights setting in, officers say the perception of becoming a victim intensifies.
However, while there has been an increase in the number of burglaries across Sunderland and South Tyneside – partly due to a new way in which crime is recorded – the number is starting to fall in recent months.
Police have also arrested more than 250 burglars in the past year, but of the offences reported, police say the vast majority of criminals were able to gain access through an unlocked door or open window.
Now, residents are being urged to ensure their doors remain locked – even when they’re at home.
Keys should also be taken out of locks and placed in a safe place and not left where they can be seen through windows and letterboxes.
Last year there were 539 house burglaries across the South Tyneside and Sunderland between March 31 and April 1, this rose to 689 this year – an increase of 29%.
However, the recent yearend figures also includes break-ins of sheds, garages and outbuildings. These would have previously been recorded as burglary other than dwelling.
In the past six weeks there has been a 26 per cent decrease in burglaries compared to the previous six weeks.
Detective Chief Inspector Lee Gosling said: “There is an increased perception with the darker nights that burglaries increase.
“Overwhelmingly, the majority of burglaries have been carried out by opportunists who have been able togetintohomesthroughunlocked doors.
“It is very rare we will come across a forced breakin. This is the message we would like to get across.
“People can help themselves to reduce the chances of becoming a victim by simply locking their doors.”
Police can be contacted