Safety Warning After Spate of Sneak-in Burglaries

Detectives in the East Riding of Yorkshire are urging residents to do more to protect their homes after 43 sneak-in burglaries since the beginning of January with incidents in Bridlington, Beverley, Goole and Cottingham.

The spike in sneak-in burglaries equate to 46% of all the burglaries committed in the area. Sneak-ins are when burglars enter properties through open windows or doors. The police say they’re committed to tackling burglary with activity on-going to prevent and detect crime, but without the public taking action to stop preventable crimes; sneak-in burglaries will continue. Detective Inspector Allison Sweeting from the Priority Crime Team said: “The recent trend is worrying with nearly half of the offence recorded being linked to offenders entering through windows left ajar or through unlocked doors. “Often in these cases offenders are opportunists walking around residential area’s looking for possible insecure properties. I would therefore urge people to make sure that they always lock doors and only keep windows open in occupied rooms – a simple step which can deter opportunist offenders. * * “As a force we do everything possible to tackle the threat of these opportunist offenders with intelligence led targeted police patrolling, crime prevention and education activity in the community and disruption work with prolific offenders. “However all this good work can be undone if people allow offenders into their home via open doors or windows – so please keep your home secure and keep the sneak thief out!” The police are also advising residents to get their items registered onto www.immobilise.com so they can be identified and returned if lost or stolen. People are also urged to call the police if they see people acting suspiciously, if there is a burglary in progress or if they have details about those involved in criminality and can do this using 999 in an emergency, 101 in a non-emergency or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.