People in two areas of Liverpool have been reminded to secure their homes after several recent burglaries.
Merseyside Police increased patrols in the nearby Picton and Greenbank areas after a number of incidents last week. On May 12, officers received a report that a laptop was stolen from an address on Woodcroft Road.
Jewellery, a laptop and a watch were also reported stolen from an address on Callow Road on the same day. Then, on May 13, police received a report that a laptop and watch were stolen from an address on Brookdale Road.
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In all of these incidents, the suspects are believed to have gained entry through insecure windows and doors. Merseyside Police have said that enquiries into the incidents are ongoing, but they have increased patrols in the area and officers will offer crime prevention advice while out and about.
Community Inspector Dave Uren said: “Nobody has the right to violate the security and safety people should feel in their own home. I want to reassure the community that we are committed to finding the people responsible for committing these crimes and bringing them to justice. We’ve had recent successes with men being arrested, charged and jailed for burglaries in the Wavertree area and we want that to continue.
“I would also like to take the opportunity to remind residents that there are a number of simple measures they can take that will make life as difficult as possible for potential burglars and prevent the harm, distress and inconvenience that burglary brings. You can improve security features like locks and alarms, and make sure your house always looks occupied.
"Remember also to both push the handle up as well as turn the key as you lock the door, if your door has that function. If you are elsewhere in the house, in the garden or going around the corner it is always a good idea to make sure external doors and windows are locked.
“In warmer weather, if you’ve opened your windows make sure you close and lock them again when out of the room. Opportunist burglars may try dozens of handles on doors and windows in a street hoping to find at least one that opens easily – make sure yours isn’t that one.
“It is very important that people are extra-vigilant and ensure they take home security seriously, and the following tips will help you protect your home and property.
Inspector Uren added: "Operation Castle is our ongoing response to burglary across Merseyside and was set up to put anyone suspected of being involved in burglary in our communities before the courts.
“Since we began, offenders have been sentenced to more than 500 years in prison, and we have seen burglary offences decrease year on year. It’s thanks to information provided by those communities affected that we can record such results.
“I would ask anyone who sees or hears anyone acting suspiciously close to homes or businesses, let us know and we will keep taking positive action to bring offenders to justice.”
Police also offered the following advice to keep your home safe:
- Keep valuables out of sight
- Remember to lock all your doors and windows, even if you are at home
- Fit outside security lighting
- Report any suspicious people or vehicles in your neighbourhood. Many crimes are prevented and people arrested after members of the public report unusual or suspicious activity to the police
- People who have UPVC doors are reminded to fully secure them. If you simply lift the handle you will NOT fully engage all of the locks into the frame. You MUST also double lock the door using the key
- Remember to remove keys from doors once they are locked
- Don’t advertise new items you may have bought such as electrical equipment to people by leaving the empty boxes outside your home. Try to dispose of the packaging carefully by taking it to a recycling centre or keep it out of sight until the day your rubbish is collected
- Don't leave your car keys on display (on window ledges/worktops) and don't leave them by doors or windows where they could be grabbed with a hook or cane
- Always check your front and back door are secure even if you are in, burglaries can often occur via insecure back doors whilst residents are at home
- Secure your shed and garage properly. Don't leave tools lying around these could be used to help offender gain entry to your home
- Register your electronics’ serial numbers on www.immobilise.com
- Back up your photographs and saved work from electronics on cloud storage or safely stored hard drives/USBs.
Further advice on how to keep your valuables safe and secure; marking your property to deter burglars, and a checklist when leaving the home can be found on the police's website.
Anyone with information on incidents in Picton and Greenbank, or any other related information is urged to contact Merseyside Police by DM on @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre.’ You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form.
