The charity Crimestoppers is asking anyone who knows about those committing burglaries in Cleveland and selling victims personal possessions, to contact them 100% anonymously, via a new campaign.
Across the UK, almost 200,000 homes suffered burglaries in England and Wales, (year ending March 2023).* The average loss equalled £2,856 per burglary. **
Although the number of reported burglaries has fallen in Cleveland over the last year, the charity is warning people not to become complacent by giving thieves an easy opportunity to enter a home.
‘Sneak in’ burglars enter through already open and unlocked windows or doors without needing to ‘break in’, and ‘walk-in’ burglaries are a quick and easy way for criminals to enter homes to take valuables, as well as car keys and cars.
Burglary is not a victimless crime. It’s incredibly traumatic to lose valuables and important personal items you need from your home – and the emotional shock of having your property invaded can also be deeply upsetting.
Top home security tips:
1. Even if you’re only leaving for a few minutes, check that all doors and windows are properly closed and locked.
2. If you can, fit burglar alarms with flashing lights and sounders at the front and back of your property.
3. Switch lights or a radio on when you go out.
4. Make sure side and back gates are secure.
5. Don’t leave garden tools outside, keep ladders out of sight and lock sheds, garages and outbuildings
6. Fit tamper-proof automatic outside security lights.
7. Even when you’re at home, lock and secure doors and windows.Try not to leave accessible windows open at night.
8. If you’re going away on holiday, ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your home and to take in any milk and newspaper deliveries. If you have a vehicle, park on your drive if you have one.
9. Don’t let yourself become a victim of a distraction burglary! That’s where more than one person calls at your door, trying to dupe you into letting one person burgle you whilst you are distracted by another one.
Longer-lasting emotional trauma
Fleur Brown, North East Regional Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said:
“Whilst a reduction Cleveland burglaries is positive, you must still ensure even when you are at home, that you lock doors and windows.
“Don’t give the opportunity for anyone to enter uninvited. Even if you’re only going out for a few minutes, check that all doors and windows are properly closed and locked.
“The impact of burglary is not just financial, it can lead to longer lasting emotional trauma as well. Victims may struggle to sleep, find it hard to be alone, become ill and could end up moving home.
“Our charity, which is independent of the police, believes that everybody has a right to feel safe everywhere, especially in their home, and that our belongings are secure.
“The public throughout Cleveland can help keep their homes and their community safer by reporting to Crimestoppers anonymously what they see and know.
“If you know or suspect who is committing burglaries in your community, and who is selling the personal possessions of victims, contact our charity. We are here to take information from you 100% anonymously, always.
Burglaries going down
Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Steve Turner said: “Over the last year, we have seen a reduction in the number of burglary offences being committed across Cleveland, but one burglary is always one too many.
“Burglary is a shocking and upsetting crime that has a devastating and lasting impact on victims and their families. People have a right to feel safe and secure in their own homes.
“I am pleased to support this Crimestoppers campaign in order to make our communities safer. I would encourage the public to come forward with information about people, who are committing burglaries or selling stolen property.
“Together we must use every means possible to drive down this distressing crime and catch those responsible”.
The public can give information 100% anonymously to Crimestoppers, 365 days of the year, 24/7 by calling the UK-based Contact Centre on 0800 555 111.
Alternatively, you can complete a safe and secure anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org or Fearless.org for young people.
In an emergency, always call 999.
Please note: Computer IP addresses are never traced and no-one will ever know you contacted Crimestoppers or Fearless.
For telephone calls, there is no caller line display, no 1471 facility and the charity has never traced a call.
Data sources: * Office for National Statistics – Crime in England and Wales: year ending March 2023; ** The 2022 ADT Burglary Report.