With new research showing that levels of theft have increased in the North West in the last year, the charity Crimestoppers is raising awareness of the issue and offering tips on what can be done to remain safe from all so-called acquisitive crime which includes theft, robbery, and burglary.
In the North West, there has been a 20% rise in theft compared to the year ending March 2022, with 202,091 offences. There were 7,944 robberies and over 39,000 homes suffered burglaries in the region. In England and Wales, the average value of items stolen is £2,856 per burglary.
Crimestoppers warns that the risk of ‘walk-in’ burglaries, where burglars enter through already open windows or doors without needing to ‘break in’, is particularly prevalent during the summer months. Criminals exploit the fact that during this period, we keep more doors and windows open and spend less time inside our homes.
Even if you’re only going out for a few minutes, the advice is to check that all doors and windows are properly closed and locked.
Theft is when something is stolen without force, while robbery is when force is used, or the victim believes force will be used. Burglary is the legal term for when a property is entered in order to steal.
Behind these terms lies hardship, shock, a loss of essential or sentimental items, along with fear and often injury.
The warning comes as Crimestoppers launch a national campaign spotlighting the worrying rise and appeals for people who know about those criminals involved to contact Crimestoppers anonymously. The campaign also highlights phone snatching, which is becoming a significant problem in cities across the UK.
In London alone, around 250 mobile phones are stolen every day. Police data shows that it is mainly young people between 14 and 20 years old who are most at risk.Criminals often use bikes and mopeds to snatch mobiles, approaching victims whilst they are often talking or texting on their phones. Mounting the pavement, the thieves grab the phone or if the victim is near the pavement, they’ll snatch it from the roadside. They target busy streets, transport hubs and licenced premises.
To pass on information 100% anonymously about anybody involved in robbery, burglary and theft, including phone snatching, visit the Crimestoppers charity’s website (Crimestoppers-uk.org) and fill in an easy-to-use, secure anonymous form or call the 24/7 UK-based Contact Centre on freephone 0800 555 111. Young people can also report crime via the charity’s youth service website Fearless.org
Gary Murray, North West Regional Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said:
“The cost of theft, robbery and burglary is not just financially expensive, it can lead to longer lasting emotional trauma as well. Behind these terms lies financial hardship, shock, a loss of essential or sentimental items, along with fear and often injury. An item of sentimental value can never be replaced. 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.
“We want to remind people across the North West that they can reduce the window of opportunity for theft, robbery and burglary by remaining vigilant, ensuring valuables are not on display when in public and locking all windows and doors before leaving home. We need to remember that not all insurance policies are the same and you should make sure your home insurance covers different types of burglary, for example, where there was no evidence of forcible and violent entry.
“Our charity is also directly appealing to the public. If you know of anybody involved in theft, robbery or burglary, our charity is here to take information from you 100% anonymously. We have no way of knowing who you are. We will pass what you tell us to the police, who will investigate things further. We’ve supported millions of people who have trusted us with their crime information since we began in the late 1980s. We cannot trace your call or track your IP address. Whilst no one will ever know you contacted us, your information could help to keep people, homes and the things we value and need in our daily lives safe.”
Top home security tips:
1. If you can, fit burglar alarms with flashing lights and sounders at the front and back of your property.
2. Switch lights or a radio on when you go out.
3. Even if you’re only leaving for a few minutes, check that all doors and windows are properly closed and locked.
4. Make sure side and back gates are secure.
5. Don’t leave garden tools outside, keep ladders out of sight – and ensure sheds, garages and outbuildings are locked.
6. Fit tamper-proof automatic outside security lights.
7. Even when you’re at home, 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, take in any milk and newspaper deliveries, and if you have a vehicle, maybe park on your drive if you have one.
9. Don’t let yourself become a victim of a distraction burglary, where more than one person calls at your door, trying to dupe you into letting one caller in to burgle you whilst you are distracted by another one.
Top tips to protect yourself from theft and robbery:
- Be aware – victims tend to be chosen because they are vulnerable for some reason (e.g., being on their own, or distracted, or under the influence of alcohol).
- Protect your mobile phone by being careful when using it outside train and bus stations, as these are popular venues for snatch theft, often by motorcycle or scooter.
- Do not advertise your phone to thieves. Keep it hidden from view and keep public conversations short.
- Never leave your bag, mobile phone, tablet, or valuable items unattended in public view.
- Avoid talking on your mobile phone or listening to music on headphones when walking home at night alone.
- Be aware of what’s going on around you and keep to well-lit, busy areas.
- Be extra careful when using cash machines. Make sure no one is loitering too close and do not count your money in the middle of the street.
- Don’t keep all your valuables in one place if you can possibly avoid it.
- Only take out what is necessary when going out at night.
- Be alcohol aware and drink responsibly.
