Christmas is coming – and the police are expecting a rise in the rate of burglary.
In the build up to the festive season, police are warning that many homes and businesses are likely to be targeted by criminals. They say it is expected at this time of year.
Officers are urging people to make sure they are extra vigilant.
Sergeant Michelle McKillop of the Criminal Investigation Department said: ‘Most theft and burglary type offences can be prevented one way or the other, usually by very simple methods of prevention. The most simple is to lock your door when you go out, secure your vehicles, don’t leave valuable or desirable items on show.
‘There are many ways in which we can advise you if you think your property or premises are vulnerable.’
Police are also asking people to report any theft or burglary incidents, even if nothing has been taken. They could be a critical link that results in the apprehension of an offender, they say.
Additionally officers are urging members of the public to report any suspicious activity. The police assured the public that reporting it was not a waste of anyone’s time.
The force has also issued a statement to say that officers were continuing to investigate a spate of household burglaries and attempted burglaries that are believed to be linked and which occurred predominantly between September until mid-November.
A spokesman said: ‘The offender or offenders targeted insecure homes that were unoccupied, or that it would have been reasonable to assume were unoccupied at the time. Generally this was between working hours during the day.’
Anyone who wishes to discuss crime prevention methods should contact Constable Mike Radcliffe via 631212.
Anyone with information on burglaries, private or commercial should contact CID.