Crackdown on burglars

Detectives today said their campaign would target areas of Leegomery, Crescent Road in Hadley and parts of Stirchley, including Ludford Drive and Linley Drive. They hope the crackdown will deter would-be burglars who wreak misery on hundreds of people each year.

Officers also hope Operation Protect 2 will bring residents peace of mind.

Detectives, however, said they were keen to stress there were a low number of burglaries reported in the Telford & Wrekin area compared to neighbouring towns and cities.

Figures show 640 burglaries were reported in the borough during the last 12 months equating to one per cent of properties in the area.

During the crackdown, more than 1,000 electronic timers will also be handed out which turn lights on in the home at set times while residents are out.

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Edwards, of West Mercia Police, today said: "Although Telford & Wrekin remains a safe place in which to live and work, that is no consolation to the small number of people who fall victim to burglars.

"It's therefore important we continue to introduce preventative measures, coupled with enforcement action, to make sure the number of burglaries continues to drop.

"As part of the operation we will be committing to an increased police presence in certain parts of Telford where we feel the number of burglary offences have been a cause for concern."

Home security advice will also be issued as up to half of all burglaries committed in the county happen after thieves get in through unlocked doors or windows.

Police and community support officers will man a crime prevention stand at Telford Shopping Centre on Thursday to give the public tips on making their homes more secure. Operation Protect 2 follows on from the original Operation Protect, dubbed a success by police following its launch in late April and early May.

It is part of a wider campaign by West Mercia Police to help householders increase security and reduce the fear of crime.