Shropshire police getting tough with burglars over Christmas

Extra officers will be working longer shifts and giving up their days off over the next few weeks to help keep people across the county safe.

As part of their patrols, police will visit residential areas regularly, particularly overnight, to target and deter any would-be burglars targeting people's homes.

Anyone found committing burglary will be arrested and if police believe they could commit further offences or they have previously breached bail, will make every effort to ensure they are remanded in custody and put before the courts the next day.

Telford Superintendent Tom Harding, who leads West Mercia Police's We Don't Buy Crime scheme, which aims to crackdown on offences such as burglary and theft, said: "Being broken into can have a devastating impact not least at this time of year when, if Christmas presents are stolen, it can be absolutely heart-breaking for the family and quite literally ruin Christmas.

Stance

"Right throughout the festive period and beyond officers will be on patrol targeting burglars and I make absolutely no apology for the tough stance we take."

West Mercia Police are reminding people of steps they can take to make it more difficult for burglars and help prevent their home from being targeted this Christmas.

Superintendent Harding added: "My advice would always be make your home as uninviting to burglars as possible, most are opportunist and by making it difficult for them you are increasing your chances of not being targeted.

"Don't leave presents under the tree if they're going to clearly visible from the street, even when they're wrapped they're still appealing to a burglar, and on Christmas morning when you have unwrapped your presents think about how you get rid of the packaging, leaving an empty TV box outside let's a burglar know there is a brand new TV inside."

Crime prevention advice can be found at westmercia.police.uk/Home-security