Police News - Heywood and Middleton

Inspector Steve Hanlon: “It has been another busy week for our team. Our priorities remain tackling burglaries and ensuring victims of domestic abuse get the best possible help and support. We had six reports of burglaries during the past week.”

These have been fairly evenly spread. In terms reports per wards here is the breakdown:

North Middleton - 0
East Middleton - 1
South Middleton - 0
West Middleton - 1
North Heywood - 1
West Heywood - 2
Hopwood Hall - 1

We understand burglary impacts on people’s lives long after the offenders are gone. This is why we continue to give this our utmost attention. We have launched our winter ‘Dark Knights’ Operation, this is aimed at targeting offenders and focussing on ways to prevent offences taking place. One thing we have noted is the number of burglaries taking place due to insecurity and homes left in darkness. Please see below crime prevention tips to reduce the likelihood of your home being burgled.

Our officers are undertaking daily checks on suspects and giving attention to the hotspot areas.

Crime Prevention Advice

We have received some reports of a bogus official in the Middleton area. Here are some safety tips on how to protect yourself from doorstep crime and bogus officials:

• Never agree to have any work done as a result of a cold call. Don’t make snap decisions and don’t be pressurised into having the job done.
• If you think work needs doing to your home, get quotes from two or threetraders. Ask friends and relatives to recommend a reputable business.
• Ask for the full name and address from a trader before considering dealing with them. Never rely solely on a mobile phone number.
• Ask for a written quotation detailing all the proposed work and a final price for the job.
• Only pay once the work is completed to your satisfaction. Don't pay cash. Don't pay money up front for trader's materials.
• Check the identity of all callers to your home. Ask for photo identification even if the caller claims to be from a utility company, the police or local authority. Check it carefully with the telephone number in the phone book, not the number on the ID.
• Do not keep cash in your home no matter how well you think it is hidden. Never pay traders in cash as this is an indication that you may have more cash on the premises.
• It is worth getting into the habit of taking a few extra seconds to check every caller at the door properly.