Police Officers across East Cheshire have launched a Lock Up campaign called Operation Golden which is about raising the profile of security at home and keeping people safe.
The Police Operation is a response to the fact that almost 40% of all burglaries carried out in East Cheshire are done so through unlocked doors or open windows.
Operation Golden will see Police Officers posing as burglars and carrying out door to door patrols, between the hours of 4pm and 2am, checking for unlocked doors.
Irrespective of the time, whenever they find an unlocked door the officers will knock until somebody answers, to enforce the message that "If we had been burglars, by now you would have lost cash, valuables such as a laptop or an ipod, sentimental items such as jewellery and possibly the car off your drive!"
In addition to the door to door patrols Police Officers and Police Community Support Officers are distributing thousands of door hanger cards while they are out on patrol.
The door hangers contain a check list of simple security precautions, that can make your home a lot safer from crime, and offer the chance of winning a prize. The Police hope that vouchers towards the cost of ipods, books and meals at a local restaurants will add some extra interest.
Chief Inspector Peter Crowcroft, in charge of Neighbourhood Policing in Cheshire Police Eastern Area, said, "We want to add a little something extra which we hope will make our door hanger cards more readable. Then we want people to take note of what’s on them and leave them on the door as a constant reminder of what they ought to be doing as matter of course."
Peter Crowcroft added "All your Police Officers put a tremendous amount of work into catching criminals but prevention is a far better answer. We are asking everyone to play their part and take elementary precautions to protect their homes and keep the rats out."
This inititative was trialled in Congleton before Christmas and well received by the public. The trial, carried out by one pair of officers during the hours of 10pm and 2am, resulted in a minimum of five unlocked doors being discovered each night.
Cheshire Police has also made a burglary prevention video giving some basic tips on avoiding becoming a victim of burglary.
Keep an eye open for anyone acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood. If you are concerned about anything report it on the Cheshire Police Information line 0845 458 0000.
If you have any information about burglaries call the information Line (above) or you can leave information anonymously on the Crimestoppers line 0800 555 111.
Pictured above: Police Community Support Officer Stuart Mortimer with an "Operation Golden" door hanger.
