Warning over seasonal burglaries (From This Is Lancashire)

Warning over seasonal burglaries

9:57am Saturday 29th December 2012 in News

POLICE are warning people to make sure their homes are secure and locked to prevent them falling victim to opportunistic burglars who target empty properties on New Year’s Eve.

Burglars take advantage of people letting their guard down in the holiday season and victims can return home from partying in the small hours to find they have been burgled.

Officers say burglary has reduced by more than five per cent in the 12 months to the end of November this year compared to the previous 12 months. This means there have been almost 900 fewer victims.

But almost 80 homes were burgled in Greater Manchester over the New Year party season last year.

People can reduce their chances of falling prey to burglars by making sure all external doors and windows are shut and locked, activating the burglar alarm, and using lights, radios and timer switches to make the house looks occupied.

It is also important to keep valuables out of sight from prying eyes and dispose of boxes that contained Christmas presents by taking them to the tip.

Ch Supt Tim Forber, Greater Manchester Police’s lead in the fight against burglars, robbers and thieves, said: “We will be visiting prolific offenders to warn them that we will be keeping a close eye on them and increasing overt and covert patrols in hotspot areas.

“Residents can play their part by following the advice given here to make sure they do not play host to any unwelcome visitors at this time of year.”