Police to attend all house burglaries in England and Wales
It's hoped that will lead to more offenders being prosecuted
Last updated 5th Oct 2022
Police chiefs across England and Wales have committed forces to attending all home burglaries.
It's a new set of standards they hope will result in more of the crimes being solved and more offenders prosecuted.
The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) said chief constables will work to ensure it's implemented "as soon as practically possible".
While some forces already have a policy in place to go to all home burglaries, others attend only where victims are vulnerable or elderly, or there are evidential lines of inquiry to be followed up.
The NPCC said an evidence review from the College of Policing, which is responsible for setting the standards for policing, had shown how swift attendance of offices at scenes of crime can increase victim satisfaction and aid investigations, as well as helping with the prevention of future crimes in the area.
It said forces will prioritise attendance where people's homes have been burgled, rather than outbuildings and garden sheds.
The organisation's chairman, Martin Hewitt, said: "The number of burglaries is at an all-time low - down 51% over the past decade due to increased investment by police and partners in preventing them happening in the first place.
"Wherever you live in England and Wales you can be confident the police will attend if you experience the invasion of a home burglary. This should see more burglaries solved and more offenders prosecuted."
The NPCC said Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, had been informed of the new standards on September 30.