Burglary
2008 May 19 - Over the past 6 months there have been a number of offences of burglary dwelling committed. Although in some cases the modus operandi is to force entry in others the offenders have gained access through unlocked doors.
Police have sent out 2 press releases to remind people to keep their homes secure but unfortunately the problem continues.
Press release 22 April 2008 - Lock-out sneak in thieves
An unlocked door can be an
open invitation to thieves so please keep your home safe and secure.
That's the latest message from police in
North Tyneside after thieves walked straight into 2 unlocked homes in the
Killingworth area last Friday (April 18).
At one home in Forest Hall a burglar got into the house through an
unlocked conservatory stealing cash, a computer, 2 mobile phones and other items
worth over £1,000. In a second case the intruder got in through an unlocked
kitchen door but left empty handed after being disturbed by a burglar
alarm.
Neighbourhood Inspector Pam
Bridges of Killingworth Policing Team said: "Both incidents could easily have
been prevented if residents had locked their dpoors. It's easy quick and cheap
to keep your home safe and secure.
"But
not locking your home can cost you dearly. Not just in terms of replacing stolen
goods we know that it's much more difficult to restore your peace of
mind."
Police have general crime prevention advice for residents:
- Fit and use good quality locks to both front and rear doors - preferably five lever mortice locks manufactured to British Standards.
- Rewmove all keys from locks. Leave them out of sight of any intruders but close to hand in the event of an emergency.
- Make sure that car keys are not visible or kept in an obvious place which makes it easy for a burglar
- Lock front and rear dooirs even when you are in the house.
Press release 02/05/08 - Recovered Property Forest Hall
(some of property has been photographed by the Whitley Bay News
Guardian. I am awaiting photographs of the property to assist in
identifying the owners)
Police
in Forest Hall have recovered a large haul of suspected stolen property
following several burglaries in the area.
Officers are asking residents
who have had items stolen in recent months to help them identify property police
have recovered following their investigation into these crimes.
Detective Sergeant Dave Swinburne, North Tyneside CID
said: "We want to be able to unite this property with their rightful owners. We
would ask anyone who recognises their property among this haul to contact police
on 03456 043 043 ext 69191.
"This is a
substantial recovery of property worth in toatl several £1,000s and if we can
trace the owners we feel this will help those effected to recover from the
ordeal of being burgled and reassure them that police are doing all they
can.
"Over the last year burglary has
reduced by 5% across North Tyneside which means fewer people are being victims
of this crime and we want to continue the downward trend during 2008.
The property recovered includes
jewellery, some of which has already been identified, 2 bicycles, DVD players,
other hi fi equipment, an anglers search light ande other angling
equipment.
Neighbourhood Inspector Pam
Bridges of Killingworth Policing Team also wants to remind residents to make
sure their homes are kept secure whether they are at hoiime or not to prevent
sneak-in burglars simply helping themselves after entering homes through
unlocked doors and windows.
Anyone with
information about burglary or anyone acting suspiciously is asked to also
contact their local Neighbourhood Policing Team (if possible people should phone
the police there and then to report suspicious persons).
Following on from the above
On 4 May 2008 following police investigations 3 men were
charged with Conspiracy to commit Burglary and have been remanded in
custody.
Anyone who thinks police may
have recovered their property is asked to contact police on 03456 043 043 ext
69191.