"1 in 3 burglaries happen when doors and windows are left open and unlocked."
We know that these crimes are likely to happen again and again, with victims that are seen as easy targets becoming repeat victims. The idea behind the insecure burglary pilot scheme is that if local residents were warned within a reasonable amount of time that an insecure burglary had happened in their area, then they could take action to make sure their homes were secure and their risk of becoming a victim would be significantly reduced.
How does the project work?
Stage 1
After receiving a report of an insecure burglary we highlight approximately 100 households in the immediate area of risk around the victim’s home. A letter is sent out warning them that a burglary has recently occurred in their area; the letter includes details of how the offender gained entry to the property, and the time the offence was committed.
The letter provides examples of how residents can improve the security of their property and reduce the risk of becoming a victim. These range from simple measures, such as locking all windows and doors whilst out, to engaging in Homewatch schemes and fitting further security devices to the household.
To date, (07/04/08) over 13,000 letters have been sent out warning residents of the risk of a burglary in their area. This is covering 127 insecure burglaries in a 5 month period across the Wigan Borough. In only 13 instances has another insecure burglary happened at an address which had previously received a warning letter.
Stage 2
If a second insecure burglary occurs in the area Police Community Support Officers (PCSO’s) visit homes in the area; they offer advice about how to keep your home secured and hand the resident (or post it through their letter box if they aren’t in) a postcard to reinforce the message.
The post card was designed by the Community Safety Team. It is written from the perspective of an offender who claims that it is easy to commit crime in the area as the residents leave their properties insecure. The aim of the post card is to reinforce the warning to lock up, and to remind residents that this is the second time that this has happened recently. PCSO's add the area and the contact details of the neighbourhood policing team for the area.
Stage 3
There have only been 2 instances where an insecure burglary has happened for a 3rd time in an area. At this point steps are taken by both the Police and partners to increase patrols and interventions into the area and proactively warn residents through any other means available.
When the scheme began 1 in 3 burglaries were the result of property being ‘insecure’. Since then, insecure burglaries have accounted for around 23% of all domestic burglary in the borough (less than 1 in 4). This is a 7% reduction compared to the same period for the previous year.
For more information about how to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of burglary visit our crime prevention pages.
