Staffordshire Police are urging residents to ensure their homes are as secure as possible this winter through their latest crime prevention campaign, with figures showing that burglary rates rise significantly as the nights draw in.
Be Sure You’re Secure aims to provide residents, drivers and couriers with safety advice on how to keep their home, vehicles and belongings secure in the run up to Christmas.
Between November and February we traditionally see a rise in residential burglaries across the area with a spike in December.
The extra hours of darkness combined with people being out at festive events makes it easier for thieves to break in. Christmas gifts stored inside homes in the run up to the big day are also an attractive proposition for criminals.
Force burglary lead, Detective Chief Inspector, Adam Yates, explains: “Preventing burglaries and bringing offenders to justice is a top priority for us. However, we have historically seen an increase in reports during winter, and particularly in December.
“Our focus is on catching and convicting offenders whilst encouraging people to take crime prevention steps to keep their homes and loved ones safe.
“The impact of residential burglary is not just financial. It can have a significant and long-lasting effect on a victim’s mental health and wellbeing.
“So please remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to us; from strangers being seen frequently on doorbell footage or CCTV, to vehicles you don’t recognise driving up and down roads repeatedly.”
Officers continue to work hard to tackle burglary throughout the year.
Police have also seen rise in car theft and theft from vehicles, therefore, throughout the campaign, they will be sharing a range of crime prevention advice on how to Be Sure You’re Secure.
For more advice and tips, visit the website: https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/
