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Monday, November 17, 2008, 12:00
Burglary rates have fallen compared to this time last year, but police are still on the lookout for insecure homes which may tempt opportunist thieves.
High visibility patrols will see officers alerting residents to the potential threat of burglary if their homes have been left insecure or in darkness.
They will also be visiting the homes of known offenders who have been spotted in hot spot areas.
Head of Sutton Police, Chief Superintendent Russell Smith said: "The reductions in burglary we have seen are a positive indication that all our hard work is paying off and the message is starting to hit home.
"However we are by no means complacent and will continue to employ robust tactics to prevent and detect crime."
He added: "I want to send out the warning to those offenders who choose to come to Sutton Coldfield to commit crime that they will be caught and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
Ch Supt Smith urged people to do their bit by checking doors and windows are locked before they go to bed at night and while they are out during the day.
He said: "An open door is a huge temptation, but one that is simple to address.
"I hope that by highlighting these vulnerabilities and working together we can continue to make reductions and ensure our policing area remains a safe place to live, work and visit."
By following advice you can reduce your chances of becoming a victim:
1. Ask yourself 'if I was locked out, how would I get back in?'. Chances are if you can work it out so can a thief.
2. Always lock your front door from inside – in particular UPVc front doors are often left unlocked when people are in their house. Offenders know this and will try UPVc doors to check if they are an easy point of access.
3. Only have ground floor windows open if you are to be in that room for a period of time.
4. Do not leave back doors open or unlocked if you are to be upstairs for any length of time as burglars often gain access to people's property from rear gardens.
5. Do not leave any windows or doors open when you are going out.
6. Lock away all your garden tools including ladders as burglars could use these to enter your property.
7. Phone Sutton Coldfield Police on 0845 1135000 if you see anything or anyone suspicious who you do not recognise or who you are not expecting such as a window cleaner or builder.
If you are unsure make a note of the date, time, description of the person(s) and report it to the police.
Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. For further crime prevention information or details on how to contact your local neighbourhood policing team please visit www.west-midlands.police.uk/suttoncoldfield.
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