Police issue break-ins warning to Yorkshire residents
7:00am Wednesday 20th November 2013 in News
By Dan Bean, dan.bean@thepress.co.uk
A TOTAL of 184 burglars have been arrested in East Yorkshire this year, Humberside Police has announced.
The figures have been released at the launch of a new appeal to remind residents to make sure their homes are secure, as one in three burglaries reported in the region were due to doors or windows left unlocked.
Detective Inspector Joanne Roe, in charge of all burglary and vehicle crime investigations in East Yorkshire, said: “There is nothing more heart-rending than meeting a victim of crime who has lost something precious, sentimental or loved, especially if it could have been prevented.
“One in every three burglaries reported to the police from within the East Riding is due to a door being left unlocked, window being left ajar to allow some air in or a forgetful resident not thinking to check their windows and doors are locked when nipping upstairs or into the garden.”
Det Insp Roe said her officers were determined to catch burglars and reduce opportunities for offenders to cause misery to innocent people. She urged residents to ensure their windows and doors were locked, and not to make life easier for burglars.
This week, North Yorkshire Police also joined the week-long national campaign to raise awareness of burglary, the handling of stolen goods and the need for residents to be vigilant in the run-up to Christmas.
Throughout the week, roadshows will be held around the region to mark property, give advice, and give out free timer switches to residents to help reduce burglaries.
Assistant Chief Constable Paul Kennedy of North Yorkshire Police said: “The targeting of your home, followed closely by the theft or damage of personal possessions, often has devastating and lasting effect on homeowners, their family and the nearby community.
“This week is about highlighting the need for people to protect their belongings and asking residents to help us to help them. I urge as many people as possible to take full advantage of the free crime-reduction initiatives going on around the county this week and to take heed of our crime prevention advice.”
For more information, visit northyorkshire.police.uk or humberside.police.uk
