Police vow to tackle big rise in burglaries

POLICE have vowed to tackle a large pre-Christmas increase in burglary - that has seen 252 homes in Stockport targeted this December.

In many instances burglars are taking keys and driving off in expensive cars with Cheadle Hulme and Bramhall a current hotspot.

Among the victims is Miles Allen, 46, who had his £55,000 Audi Q7 stolen when a burglar sneaked into his home on Thursday between 6.30pm and 9.50pm.

He says it was the first of five - mostly German - cars worth £250,000 stolen from Gillbent Road, where he lives, or adjacent Pingate Drive.

Police confirmed they are investigating the theft of several cars in that area and are running anti-burglary initiative Operation Goblet.

Miles said: “My wife was at home, they sneaked in, took the keys and drove off. What if my 16-year-old daughter had been in on her own and they confronted her? It is not right, someone seems to have a big shopping list so I want people to be aware other people are prepared to break into your home to get your car.

“And if they are determined to do that, what will they do next? Will they take it regardless?”

Other burglaries in the area saw a grey Land Rover and a black Mercedes taken from Gillbent Road in the early hours of Sunday and a BMW Coupe stolen at Pingate Drive in the early hours of Monday.

Miles says another Audi Q7, this time in blue, was taken from Gillbent Road overnight Saturday into Sunday.

The total of 252 domestic burglaries is from December 1 to 19 - averaging just over 13 a day - and includes homes, garages and outbuildings.

Previously the Heatons area has been hit with burglaries where cars have been taken.

Police have acknowledged the ‘major trend’ and advise residents to keep windows and doors locked and shut, valuables out of sight and use light timers if going out

A spokesman said: “As soon as burglaries are reported we are responding to get forensic opportunities, make door to door enquiries and trawl through CCTV.

“We have extra patrols in place for response and as a deterrent, are visiting known prolific offenders and using automatic number plate recognition to trace cars.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.