Police investigated another burglary and another attempted burglary last night.
The attempted burglary happened in the area of Vicarage Park, Douglas.
The offender fled but and there was a lot of police activity in the area.
Inspector Derek Flint said: ‘Last night, a burglary was foiled by the householder at Vicarage Park, Douglas. We were on scene very quickly, but despite an extensive operation, the offender made good their escape again.’
Another burglary was reported at Ballamilligan Mount Rule, which had happened some hours before it was reported. Cash and jewellery were taken.
Inspector Flint said: ‘We’d like to re-iterate the following:
‘If it is something happening there and then - ring 999. The sort of stuff we are talking about is people up the side of houses, in places they shouldn’t be, odd callers to the door etc.
‘If it is something that has happened, and you think we should know about then call us on 631212.’
There have been 36 burglaries or attempted burglaries in the island since the current spate began on January 9.
In the wake of the crimewave, officers are going to give advice in a crime prevention surgery at the Strand Shopping Centre in Douglas on Saturday between noon and 2pm.
Officers will be there to specifically answer any questions or concerns in relation to the recent burglaries on the island.
Also present will be a local locksmith company who will be advising on the best security measures for doors and windows.
Police say that they are ‘really pleased’ with the amount of information that’s been sent to them by the public.
A spokesman said: ‘There are a few things that will really help.
‘The first one is the sound of breaking glass. If you hear a window going in, call us on 999.
‘Secondly, nobody knows your neighbourhood like you. It’s things that are out of place that we are looking for.
‘What is different when you look out the window?
‘If it doesn’t look the way it should, then give us a call. It might be something that just doesn’t sit right, and if so ring us via 631212. But if it looks like someone is definitely breaking into a property, then 999 every time.
‘Finally - please let us deal with things. Don’t unnecessarily confront individuals.
‘Keep observations on what is happening and be prepared to stay on the line when you ring us. Tell us what is going on, and we will be there on the hurry-up.’
The police have been given a lot of advice by people on social media and have answered a few of their suggestions.
ANPR - Automatic Number Plate Recognition.
‘This can have its uses, but in cases like this mainly for back-anaysis,’ a spokesman said. ‘We can’t give any operational detail on this for obvious reasons.’
Helicopters
‘In short, they are hugely expensive. A police helicopter has to be operated under strict Civil Aviation Authority rules, with a competent operator and highly trained crew.
‘The economies of scale for hiring one for an open-ended operation are just unrealistic.
‘We don’t even use one for TT. And as for drones - same rules apply. It will be five to 10 years before the use of unmanned aircraft are used, and that is likely to be driven on cost grounds alone.’
The police say they can’t confirm or deny what they are doing tactically. If the public knows, the criminals know, and that is counter productive.
A spokesman added: W’e have the local knowledge, and that is massively increased by the eyes and ears of the public at large.
‘If we continue to work together as well as we are doing, then we will crack this job sooner rather than later.
‘There are no UK officers over here helping out. There have been some reports of UK registered police cars on here. We’ve only got one and it is parked in the back yard waiting to be put on Isle of Man plates.’
The police have also clarified what force a householder can use if he or she confronts a burglar.
Under Section 6, Criminal Law Act 1981, a person may use such force as is reasonable in the circumstances in the prevention of crime, or in effecting or assisting in the lawful arrest of offenders or suspected offenders or of persons unlawfully at large.