Humberside Fire and Rescue Service are supporting Operation Impact throughout November which is tackling burglary across the region.
Humberside Police are working with multiple local agencies including other blue light services, local Authorities, Victim Support, the voluntary sector and most importantly the local community for 30 days of tackling burglary and associated criminality.
The aim is to make the month a hostile period for burglars and those who would handle and profit from stolen property with an increased level of police and partner activity, in order to bring perpetrators to justice and disrupt their offending.
HFRS Community Safety Manager Richard Mason explains:
“Our crews will be out and about in burglary hot spot areas and sharing any suspicious activity with our colleagues at Humberside Police. These are usually areas which fit our own mapping in terms of higher fire risk and deliberate ignitions, but reducing criminality in any form is always a top priority for us and our multi agency partners.”
Activity is also planned to support the local community with practical advice on how to protect their property, while encouraging communities to be our eyes and ears in stopping burglars from offending in their neighbourhood.
Superintendent Andy Foster, Operation Impact lead said:
“Burglary is the focus of Operation Impact and it is being utilised to make a long term difference to communities across the force area, especially those with higher levels of burglary.
“The force will be working with partners to pursue offenders, prevent offending and protect homes from being targeted by unscrupulous criminals. By working together as part of Operation Impact we aim to reduce the number of victims of burglary and make a difference to the communities we serve.”
Operation Impact will have three-strands:
• ‘Pursue’ (targeting known offenders and bringing burglars and handlers to justice)
• ‘Prevent’ (a crime prevention drive through November with partners and the public)
• ‘Protect’ (public engagement to increase intelligence from them relating to burglars and handlers to help us protect our most vulnerable and stop you becoming a victim of burglary.)
Supt Foster added: “Victims of burglary often feel devastated and insecure when their home and personal property has been invaded. Reducing victims and making a hostile environment for burglars requires a team effort between the public the police and partner agencies.
“From an operational perspective we will be doing everything possible to deal with those responsible for burglary, while undertaking crime prevention initiative to reduce the likelihood in homes being targeted.
“However, I am asking people to take steps to ensure they have good protection on doors and windows, invest in timer switches if they are going to be away and to ensure they have plans in place to stop mail visibly piling up or deliveries being left outside. Thoughtful use of social media will also prevent you leaving clues as to when your home will be empty. These seemingly simple measures really do go a long way towards ensuring that your house is a hostile environment for burglars.”
For more advice on how to protect your property use the link.
Finally the force has also reminded everyone they have a role in not supporting burglars by buying stolen goods.
Supt Foster said: “Burglary exists as a crime because there is a market for the goods that are taken. Combating the handling of stolen goods goes hand-in-hand with preventing burglary. We will be working with retailers, particularly pawnbrokers and second hand shops to ensure they are being vigilant when it comes to taking in items and encouraging them to report suspicious behaviour to the police.
“At the same time, people should be wary of anyone selling cut-price goods in pubs or on the streets. It may be tempting for some to snap up a quick bargain, but I would urge people to keep in mind the victim of crime, and consider how you would feel if it was one of your loved ones who’d become a victim of burglary so someone could have a bargain. Remember if you buy stolen property, you are committing an offence and are liable for prosecution.”
The public should support the police by calling them if they see people acting suspiciously in their community, if there is a burglary in progress or if they have details about those involved in criminality. This can be done this using 999 in an emergency, 101 in a non-emergency or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
For more information on Operation Impact, Humberside Police are encouraging people to:
• Follow the @humberbeat twitter account and #OpImpact hashtag;
• Like the Humberside Police Facebook page
• Sign up for Humberside Police News and Campaign alerts.