The police force thinking on its feet and using technology to stay one step ahead of the criminals
THE police response to burglary is a mixed picture across the country, with some forces performing better than others in terms of driving down the number of offences.
Even with shrinking resources, some constabularies have enjoyed success by combining innovative detection techniques, cutting-edge technology and multi-agency initiatives to target repeat offenders.
North Wales Police has seen burglary offences drop significantly over the past five years, going down from 4,617 in 2013 to 3,716 last year, according to Ukcrimestats.com
Detective Inspector Brian Kearney, of North Wales Police, said the force had worked hard to spot where burglaries were likely to take place and then concentrate its resources in those areas.
He said: “We can see trends appearing quite quickly. We have had a number of cases of gangs burgling houses in order to steal keys for highpowered cars.
“We use predictive analysis software and once we see a pattern emerging we will set up an operation.”
Last year, North Wales Police carried out Operation Vacuous in Wrexham to target youths breaking into houses to steal and joyride luxury vehicles.
More than 20 offenders were eventually caught, charged and convicted of a string of burglary offences.
DI Kearney also said that the force strived to prevent burglaries happening at all.
He said: “We have done a significant amount of work to identify areas where there are repeat offences. We offer
‘Get your prevention tactics right and you stop people becoming victims in the first place’
crime prevention advice to students, who are often targeted.”
The force worked with other agencies, such as the National Probation Service and the Integrated Offender Management team, to ensure prolific offenders not just released from prison and left to burgle again, he said.
“It is far more important to get your prevention tactics right because that way you stop people becoming victims in the first place.”
Technology is also helping in the fight against burglary with predictive mapping applications – which use crime data – able to locate accurately areas and even times when burglars are likely to strike next.
Police forces are also increasingly working with planners, property developers and local councils to ensure that newly built houses are fitted with the latest home security devices.