Warning after 73 homes burgled in five days

Date published: 05/07/2006

Police are issuing a stark warning after 73 homes across Greater Manchester were burgled in just five days (30 June – 4 July) – an average of fifteen a day.

Each of the homes were targeted because of open doors and windows and police are urging people to secure their homes so that they don’t become a victim of this easily preventable crime.

In most cases, people left their doors unlocked or windows open while they were busy in another part of the house or back garden.

Officers are advising members of the public to always keep their doors locked, whether inside the property or outside in the garden; to only keep windows open in the room that they are in and if they leave the property to make sure that if they have an alarm, that it is on and that the building is fully secure.

People are also being reminded that if their home is burgled due to an insecurity that they may not be covered by their insurance.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Owen, head of GMP’s Operational Policing Unit said: "With the recent hot weather, we have seen an increase in this type of crime and we are concerned that this is going to rise even more as the good weather continues.

"Crimes like this can be easily prevented by people simply keeping their doors locked and within reason their windows closed.  We understand that in the last few days the weather has been very hot and it is natural for people to want to open all the windows to let some fresh air in but we want them to realise that this may not be the only thing they are letting in.   Burglars will strike if they are given the opportunity and an open door or window is too good an opportunity to miss."

Residents can get advice on how to avoid becoming a victim of this type of crime or other crimes by contacting their local crime reduction advisor on 0161 872 50 50.

Anyone with information about those responsible for committing burglaries can contact Crimestoppers anonymously and for free on 0800 555 111.