Shropshire residents urged to tighten home security following increase in burglaries

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Edwards, head of CID in Shropshire, said police were facing a surge in domestic burglaries.

Since April 1, there have been 180 burglaries or attempted burglaries of people's homes, compared with 143 for the same period last year.

"Although total crime in Shropshire continues to fall, there has been a significant increase in household burglaries over the past three months.

"Domestic burglaries remain one of our top priorities - both the prevention and detection of crimes. We have a dedicated burglary unit of detectives based in Shrewsbury and we have had a number of successes in arresting offenders."

He welcomed yesterday's 18-month prison sentence on a 31-year-old man who appeared at Shrewsbury Crown Court for stealing jewellery worth more than £75,000 after breaking into a home in Underdale Road, Shrewsbury.

DCI Edwards said: "We wont hesitate to put offenders before the courts and the public can help us do this. It's vitally important people contact the police immediately they see anything suspicious. If it strikes you as untoward or odd, then it probably is. Follow your instincts and call us - it doesn't matter if it turns out to be innocent activity. Call 0300 333 3000 straight away so we can check it out."

He also urged people to tighten up their security. "A large number of these burglaries have occurred because people have left their homes insecure - either unlocked doors or insecure windows.

"We all need to be security conscious, especially this time of year during the holiday season. An unlocked door or open window can make your property an easy target for those on the lookout for easy pickings."

West Mercia Police runs a Safe & Secure crime prevention campaign all year round, offering advice to the public on how to keep themselves, their homes, gardens and vehicles protected.

More information is available on the Force website http://www.westmercia.police.uk.