Police warn of burglary spate
Harrogate Police. (S)
A spate of sneak-in burglaries across Harrogate and North Yorkshire has sparked a police warning to residents to be vigilant.
Homeowners are being urged to lock their doors and windows and to keep valuables out of sight after a recent “small but concerning” spike in the numbers reported to police.
Det Chief Insp Heather Pearson said: “While residents across the force area can be assured that North Yorkshire Police is working around the clock to deter, catch and bring burglary suspects to justice, it is still vital for people to do everything they can to ensure their homes and possessions are as secure as possible.”
The worst affected area is Ryedale, which has seen a 12 per cent rise in domestic burglary since April, but Harrogate has also been hit.
Break-ins have also occurred in Selby and Scarborough, Richmonshire, York and Craven, police have warned.
Often, said a spokesman for the force, properties are targeted by opportunist thieves who have entered insecure homes to take cash and valuables clearly visible through windows or doors.
“By taking simple steps such as fitting security lights and burglar alarms, locking windows and doors at all time, and keeping valuables and car keys out of sight, this will go a long way to greatly reduce the threat of opportunistic criminals targeting your home,” said DCI Pearson, who is running North Yorkshire Police’s ongoing burglary reduction campaign, Operation Haven.
“I want people to look around their property and really think about what they can do to take away the temptation from potential burglars.”
Anyone with information about burglaries or suspicious activity is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1, and speak to the Force Control Room.
Information can also be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111.
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Weather for Harrogate
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 4 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light showers
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