Anti-crime drive bears fruit as growth in burglaries tapers off

Following an increase in reported incidents of house burglaries from the beginning of April, North Yorkshire Police launched Operation Haven – a year-long scheme aimed at reversing an upward trend in reported offences.

Figures showed a 13.8 per cent increase in domestic burglary compared to the same period last year (April 1 – May 13).

This meant there had been 230 offences compared to 202 the previous year.

Since the launch of the force-wide crackdown in mid-May, the trend has been steadily slowing as the coordinated approach takes effect.

Figures now show a reduced increase of 2.9 per cent, with 468 offences reported for April 1 to June 26 2011 compared to 455 for the same period last year.

Police say they have taken a two-pronged approach to tackling the issue.

On the one hand there are proactive tactics to prevent and detect offences and there is also the promotion of crime prevention measures to help to secure homes and increase awareness of this type of crime.

Det Chief Insp Heather Pearson, who is leading the operation, said: “The increase in dwelling burglaries is a primary concern for North Yorkshire Police.

“Although it is a national trend with rises recorded in several parts of the country, it is a trend that we want to halt and reverse in North Yorkshire and the City of York.

“The targeting of your home followed closely by the theft or damage of personal possessions often has devastating and lasting effect on the homeowners and their family, and also within the nearby community.

“Research shows that dwelling burglary is one of the crimes most feared because it is so personally invasive.

“With this campaign we will be doing all we can to continue to target the current rise and keep our communities as safe and secure as possible.

“The economic climate is partly to blame for the increase, but the majority of offences are committed by a small number of prolific offenders.

“We will be adopting a hard-line approach to this problem and will relentlessly pursue these individuals.

“Travelling criminals who cross the border from neighbouring counties remain a problem too.

“However, we will seek those responsible and track them down no matter where they live, as a number of recent arrests in the West Yorkshire area have shown.”

Police say some basic crime prevention measures can help to prevent householders from becoming a victim of crime.

DCI Pearson said it is important that people try to adopt at least some of these.

She added: “Locking doors, even while you are in the house, is a must.

“Lock windows and doors when you go out and do not leave tempting valuables on view.

“Many burglaries are committed by opportunist thieves who literally see an opportunity to steal something and take it.

“Usually because it has been left on view, unlocked or unattended.

“This is particularly important at present with the spell of good weather when homeowners will be spending time outdoors.

“We all want to enjoy the good weather and this sometimes involves spending time in the garden, but please make sure other areas of your property are secure at all times.

“An opportunist thief will take advantage of the good weather and target vulnerable properties.”

A stunning 35 per cent of all burglaries across England and Wales are committed by opportunist thieves.

Sneak-in burglaries tend to be committed by local offenders with a good knowledge of the local area. More often than not they are opportunist with zero pre-planning.