A BREAK-IN on New Year’s Eve has put police in Neston on the lookout for January burglars.
Police say burglars can be particularly active at the start of a new year, targeting electrical goods, jewellery and other items which people have bought, or received as presents, over the Christmas period.
Inspector Peter Case, in charge of the Ellesmere Port and Neston Neighbourhood Policing Unit said: “Neston is not a high-crime area but, like anywhere else, burglars can strike. The year began with a break-in at Little Neston on New Year’s Eve.
“We are always conscious of the distress which burglary causes people.
“There is a lot that people can do to protect their homes.
“The most basic precaution is to lock your doors. In a third of all burglaries the criminal simply walks in through a door which has been left insecure. In particular we urge everyone to do an end-of-day check that doors are locked and windows closed before they go to bed.
“It’s also a good idea to fit time switches to lights so that the house looks occupied when you are out. An occupied house is a far less attractive target for most burglars.
“If you have an alarm system, make sure it is set whenever you are out and when you go to bed.
“A bit of additional advice, especially at this time of year, is to avoid leaving boxes and other packaging on the drive or in the garden. They flag up to a criminal exactly what new items you have inside your home.
“Your eyes and ears are valuable crime prevention devices, too. Most criminals will spend a bit of time selecting a vulnerable house before breaking in. If you see anyone acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood, report it. Call the Cheshire Police Information Line 0845 458 0000.
If you hear any information about burglaries or are offered goods for sale in suspicious circumstances let us know. You can also leave information anonymously on the Crimestoppers Line 0800 555 111.
