Number of household burglaries fall in Shropshire

The latest figures come less than a month after West Mercia Police launched Operation Intensify to tackle a worrying trend which saw more than 100 homes broken into during April and the first half of May.

Specific police action was taken to counter the rise together with a plea for public help by reporting suspicious activity.

Superintendent James Tozer, the West Mercia Police Commander for Shropshire, said the concerted effort had already brought about a significant improvement.

"Police investigations, many of which resulted from information passed by members of the public, have led to a number of good arrests in recent weeks.

"This in turn has been successful in halting the increase in burglaries of a month or two ago. The figures have seen a considerable improvement, dropping from a peak of around 28 a week down to about eight.

"We are obviously pleased to have cut the numbers but there is no room for complacency, either on the part of the police or the public."

He pledged that the police will continue to give burglaries special attention. "It is a despicable crime that impacts upon the way people feel in their own homes and we will do all we can to put the full force of the law upon them.

"Our teams of officers will make sure we target known burglars and stop others from getting involved. Shropshire has always had one of the lowest burglary rates in the country. We have a population almost the same as Bristol and average less than two household burglaries a day across our huge county which is an impressive achievement.

"However, I want to reduce it further still. To this end, we are working closely with our colleagues in the local authority, trading standards and other enforcement agencies. Burglars need to realise that we will catch them."

Operation Intensify includes actively targeting known burglars, their associates and any places where they may try to dispose stolen goods. It also provides extended forensic work, heightened patrolling especially during hours of darkness, more house to house inquiries and witness appeals, increased stop-searches, developing intelligence and internet investigation and working with Force-wide resources and partner agencies.

Superintendent Tozer said: "We are asking everyone in our communities across the county to help by being security conscious, vigilant and to report anything suspicious. Call us immediately on 0300 333 3000 and pass on information in confidence. We will act on what you tell us. If you see a burglary in progress, call 999 and ask for the police."

Information can also be given to the anonymous Crimestoppers charity by calling 0800 555 111 for which a reward may be paid.

He added: "The improved figures are a step in the right direction but we must strive hard to sustain them. The public's co-operation in working with the police is essential in reducing the volume of burglaries and other crimes".

Among recent arrests were three men suspected of conspiring to commit burglaries in Shropshire, Cheshire and Staffordshire since the middle of February. A joint force investigation identified a series of burglary offences, including eight in Shropshire and four in the Telford area.