Police are urging the public to be vigilant following a spate of burglaries.
Over the last few weeks, there have been a number of burglaries in the Runcorn area. Detectives have been conducting enquiries and patrols have been stepped up but officers are urging residents to remain vigilant.
Cheshire Police have now put out a warning for homeowners and advice on how to better protect their homes.
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Key advice being issued to homeowners:
- Think about installing CCTV
- Lock everything away securely – tools should be locked inside a locker or box and/or secured by a chain
- Consider an accredited burglar alarm system with audible alarm boxes mounted high at the front and rear of your home. Two visible audible alarm boxes are better than one.
- Lower fences at the front around one-metre high are preferable to high fences as they allow for a clear view over the top and don’t provide cover for anyone wishing to hide
- Planting prickly or barbed shrubbery along boundaries and fence lines acts as an effective natural barrier
- Lighting is a good deterrent and is recommended at doors as it makes it safer for you when coming and going after dark.
- Gravel driveways and paths will make sure you hear anyone approach.
- Mark your property with your name, postcode, or even forensically
Detective Sergeant Joe McNally, of Runcorn Local Policing Unit, said: “We are aware of an increase in reports of burglaries in the town and I want to be absolutely clear that we are doing everything we can to locate those responsible and bring them to justice.
“In Runcorn the rate for burglary and vehicle crime offences is still quite low compared to other areas however one report of crime such as this is one crime too many. No one should be targeted in the place they feel safe and we are committed to using all the tools at our disposal to crack down on this crime.
“I have a team of officers who are working to disrupt offenders and will be stepping up the number of officers on the streets of Runcorn day and night. I would also urge residents to ensure that they review security measures in their homes in order to make it even more difficult for any offenders to strike.
“I would like to continue to urge anyone who has any information or may have seen anything suspicious to contact us and we will do the rest. Any information, no matter how big or small, can be reported to us by calling 101 or reporting via the Cheshire Police website.”
Anyone with any information or footage regarding burglaries in Runcorn is urged to call Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or give the details via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report
Information can also be reported to Crimestoppers, anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or via https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously
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