Turn the clocks back on time

With the clocks going back last weekend, police in Wigan are urging residents to help beat burglars by taking simple steps to keep their homes secure.

Police warn that there is usually an increase in break-ins at this time of year as evenings become darker. By following some simple advice residents can help deter thieves, such as:

• get an alarm and put it on,
• locking all doors and windows,
• and leaving a light on when leaving the house or invest in a plug timer to switch a light on once it gets dark.

The call for householders to lock up is part of Operation Guardian, a major initiative to combat the recent rise in burglary across Greater Manchester.

In the past month alone there have been 297 more burglaries across Greater Manchester compared to last year*, and police warn this figure is expected to rise as the nights draw in.

Superintendent Warren McGuire of Operation Guardian said:

“As the clocks go back, evenings become darker and create ideal opportunities for thieves. By remembering to lock doors and windows and leave a light on, homes will be less attractive as a target for burglars.

“One in three burglaries is down to people leaving doors and windows unlocked or open. For this reason, combating burglary is our top priority and we are committing extra resources as part of Operation Guardian to combat the recent rise in break-ins.”

Over the next few months, there will be more officers on the streets to act as a deterrent to thieves, disrupt criminal activity and reassure residents living in vulnerable areas. Known offenders will also be targeted, with officers making arrests and bringing them to justice.

*Note to editors:

• Number of burglaries in Wigan between 17 September and 16 October 2008 : 156
• Number of burglaries in Wigan between 17 September and 16 October 2007 : 153

 For more advice visit our crime prevention pages