Isle residents warned about sneak in burglary increase

Between July and August last year a third of all homes burgled were as a result of properties being left insecure (180 incidents).

Humberside Police’s Detective Chief Inspector Paul Kirby said: “Being a victim of burglary is deeply upsetting for the victims and their family. We want to see less offences this year, but need the public to assist us by stopping sneak-in burglars who target properties with open doors or windows.

“In vast majority of cases the 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 - whether they are in or not and day or night - and only keep doors or windows open in occupied rooms.”

In June the force had reports of 58 sneak-in burglary offences in Hull, East Yorkshire, North East Lincolnshire and North Lincolnshire.

DCI Paul Kirby added: “Unfortunately, insecurities are like an open invitation for opportunist sneak-in burglars who only need a few seconds to grab property from your home.

“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!”

To highlight the dangers of the sneak in burglar view the Billy the burglar video.

The public also have a role to play by adopting good home security detailed on the Protecting your property section of the police website, getting property registered onto Immobilise so it can be identified/returned if lost or stolen and by calling Humberside Police with information about criminality.

The public should call the police if they see people acting suspiciously in their community, if there is a burglary in progress or if they have details about those involved in criminality. This can be done this using 999 in an emergency, 101 in a non-emergency or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.