Issued by North Yorkshire Police
North Yorkshire Police is urging residents to be vigilant after a series of burglaries across the county.
Homes have been targeted in the Hambleton, Malton and York area and police are urging residents to ensure they take adequate security measures.
Two Northallerton men aged 36 and 37 were arrested in connection with a break-in at a veterinary surgery in Northallerton yesterday (22 February). They have both been charged and were due to appear at York Magistrates’ Court this morning (23 February 2013).
The 36-year-old man was also arrested in connection with a burglary at a flat in Bank Head Road yesterday. He has been given police bail for this offence, to allow for further enquiries to be carried out.
In separate incidents, five break-ins have been reported over the last two days, one in Potto near Stokesley, one in Tockwith, two in York and one in Wintringhan near Malton. In the main, cash and jewellery have been stolen, and in one case in York, the burglars failed to gain entry.
Overnight on 21 to 22 February, a house in Sittenham, York was broken into and power tools stolen from inside including a power saw, stihl saw and drill.
As part of Operation Haven – and particularly in light of these recent incidents – residents are being urged to take extra measures to increase their own home security.
Detective Chief Inspector Heather Pearson, who is co-ordinating Operation Haven, said: “While residents across the force area can be assured that North Yorkshire Police is working around the clock to deter, catch and bring burglary suspects to justice, it is still vital for people to do everything they can to ensure their homes and possessions are as secure as possible.
“By taking simple steps such as fitting security lights and burglar alarms, locking windows and doors at all times, and keeping valuables and car keys out of sight, this will go a long way to greatly reduce the threat of opportunistic criminals targeting your home.
“Jewellery is of particular interest to thieves and we urge people to keep it hidden and locked away where it is difficult to find. Consider investing in a safe if you own large amounts of expensive jewellery.
DCI Pearson added: “I want people to look around their property and really think about what they can do to take away the temptation from potential burglars. There is a great deal of security advice readily available for homeowners, both from the police and other crime prevention partners.
“Please take on board this advice and do everything you can to keep your home safe and secure.”
Anyone with information about burglaries or suspicious activity in your neighbourhood or surrounding area, please do not hesitate to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1, and speak to the Force Control Room.
Information can also be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
If you see a crime in progress, always dial 999.
Here’s some basic crime prevention advice, for more detailed crime prevention advice, including a security self assessment, visit the North Yorkshire Police website www.northyorkshire.police.uk/homesecurity you can also download our free iBook for lots more advice or our free mobile app at nyp.mobi.
- Remember to lock all your doors and windows, even if you are at home (make sure you know where the keys are)
- Leave a light on when you go out – use a timer switch – a 20 watt low energy bulb costs 2p for four hours
- Hide all your valuables – including car keys – away from prying eyes.
- Fit outside security lighting
- Remove all tools, ladders and other implements from your garden as these can be used to break into your property
- Review your boundary security, make sure your gates and fences are in good condition and that outbuildings, sheds and gates have sturdy locks.
- Be nosey – report any suspicious people or vehicles in your neighbourhood. Many crimes are thwarted and people arrested after members of the public report unusual or suspicious activity to the police.
- Review your locks, upgrade your Euro-cylinder locks to one that is specifically designed to prevent lock snapping, known as Break Secure.
- Add up the value of all your belongings, then work out how much you spend on keeping them secure.
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