Norfolk police highlight higher risk of burglaries during the Summer months

‘People have the right to feel safe in their home’ – that’s the message from Norfolk Police this week as the force launches a campaign targeting burglary.

Burglaries in Norfolk have been steadily declining in recent years and the county has the second lowest burglary rate in the country.

The summer months often see an increase in burglary offences with more people spending time outside and burglars taking advantage.

Many burglaries reported happen at homes which have been left insecure – through doors or windows being left open or unlocked.

As the better weather arrives, officers are keen to remind people about ways in which they can help reduce the risk.

Operation Protect is a campaign which will run between 6 and 19 June. Officers and staff from Norfolk Constabulary will be working with partners and the public to reduce dwelling burglaries even further and to catch and lock up burglars.

Detective Superintendent Paul Wells said: “You are very unlikely indeed to be burgled in Norfolk, but we know that if it does happen, burglary can have a profound effect on victims and communities.

"It is an intrusive and brazen crime which can undermine a victim’s feelings of security and safety for a long time.

“There are some simple things you can do further reduce the chance that you will be burgled.

“As the weather warms up people are more likely to leave doors and windows open or unlocked and might spend more time away from home. This makes things easier for an opportunistic burglar, so if you go out, make sure your doors and windows are closed and locked, check your doors and windows before bed and if you are going on holiday let a trusted friend or neighbour know, so they can collect your post, put your bins out and keep your home looking lived-in.

“It’s also important that you don’t over-share that you are away, so maybe save some of those holiday social media posts for when you’re back.”

“Property stolen in burglaries is often sold quickly for much less than the item is actually worth. If a deal seems too good to be true, it often is. We ask anyone with information about stolen property or about burglary offences to contact police on 101 or make a report online.

If you prefer, tell Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”

The first of the two weeks will involve officer and partner briefings, senior detective reviews of existing investigations, crime prevention initiatives and intelligence-gathering.

The second week will focus on targeting known offenders and on proactive policing through high visibility, plain-clothes and other specialist deployments.