Police Pose As Burglars In Crewe And Nantwich To Deliver Security Message (From Crewe Guardian)

Police Pose As Burglars In Crewe And Nantwich To Deliver Security Message

2:51pm Tuesday 9th February 2010

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POLICE officers across South Cheshire are posing as burglars in an attempt to persuade people to lock their doors.

Officers in plain clothes are carrying out patrols trying the door handles of houses and flats in the hours between 4pm and 2am.

Wherever they find one unlocked, they knock until someone answers, even if it means getting someone out of bed.

They then tell the residents, that had they been burglars, by now they would have lost cash, valuables, sentimental items and possibly the car off their drive.

Officers are also distributing thousands of door hanger cards that list security checks to be carried out before anyone leaves home, even for a short time.

The cards are designed to be left on the door handle or lock as a permanent reminder about home security.

They are also offering an opportunity for people to claim prizes for taking part in the crime prevention campaign, code named Operation Golden.

The police operation is a response to the fact that almost 40% of all burglaries in the area are carried out through unlocked doors or downstairs windows that have been left open.

Chief Inspector Peter Crowcroft said, “There are burglars who specialise in sneak-ins.

“They walk around streets, nipping in and out of gardens and trying doors until they find one unlocked.

“Most of them don’t care if anyone is in the house. Even if the family is in the next room watching television or eating, the criminal will walk into the kitchen or hallway, grab a bag, purse, or some other item of value and be out again in seconds. “These burglaries can be avoided by locking the door.

“It is the simplest bit of crime prevention you can imagine and it’s surprising that so many people make their homes vulnerable by simply failing to turn a key.”

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