Break-ins rise as burglars go for gifts
A spate of pre-Christmas break-ins has prompted police to warn people about security in the home.
A total of 10 burglaries were carried out in the Lincoln area last weekend and 11 the weekend before.
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Chief Inspector Kieran English has warned householders to be vigilant
Lincolnshire Police has now asked for help from the public to clamp down on those causing misery in the run-up to Christmas.
Although burglary rates in the county are falling, police say there is always a surge in break-ins over Christmas as presents are gathered under the tree.
As the credit crunch deepens, there are fears burglaries could rise again.
Police believe many recent raids could have been avoided if home-owners had taken simple steps to secure their properties.
Now bosses at Lincolnshire Police are warning of the need to be vigilant.
Chief Inspector Kieran English said: "We see many incidents where residents have left their home unlocked and thieves simply walk in through the door.
"There are simple, common sense measures you can follow to reduce the risk of becoming a victim, such as checking your windows are locked, not leaving boxes or a ladder in the garden to assist access to your house and not leaving valuable items on display.
"We are making arrests of people we believe are carrying out burglaries in the area but we do need the help of residents too in order to crack down on the offences happening in the first place."
For more on the thieves who ruin Christmas, see Tuesday's Echo.
10 Comments
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by anon, lincoln
Thursday, December 18 2008, 9:23AM
“its not just policing,if prison was a deterant instead of a holiday camp perhaps it would cut down re-offending,and our streets and homes would be a bit safer.”
by Republican_Boy, Lincoln
Tuesday, December 16 2008, 5:31PM
“I live just across the road from a Police Station but no doubt if I was being burgaled and called the Police it would still take them the best part of 4 hours to get here.”
by Wolf BRANDING, Lincoln
Tuesday, December 16 2008, 4:50PM
“W. WILKINS, lots of people believe crime is down, because, like it or not, it is. I am not a great lover of the Police, but I accept good advice, no matter who it is from.”
by Anon, Lincoln
Tuesday, December 16 2008, 3:58PM
“The police seemed to fail to give us all the most important tip at this time of year... Don't leave your Christmas gifts under the tree in view from you windows. It is more than likely these that the robbers will want.”
by What, Should I Say
Tuesday, December 16 2008, 3:18PM
“What do you want them to say, crime is down so go nuts, leave the door and windows open and inform local criminals of your daily location? When you go to work, park up the car but be sure to leave it turned on?”