Police say they’re reacting to the recent rise in break-ins on the Island (including a number of charities) by putting extra effort into solving them. At the bottom there’s also a list of advice. This in from the Police, in their words – Ed
Detectives from Isle of Wight CID are continuing to dedicate extra resources to solve recent burglaries at business and charity premises.
Police have received 20 reports of burglaries at these types of addresses on the island over the past month.
Gathering evidence a priority
Gathering evidence to charge whoever is responsible remains a priority for the police force.
Detective Sergeant Gary Lyons of Isle of Wight CID said: “The number of burglaries on the island has been falling over the past year so we are determined to eliminate this worrying increase as soon as possible.
“Catching burglars and thieves is a priority for the whole police force as we have already extended our Operation Nemesis to devote additional efforts to protecting the community from the misery these crimes cause for the victims.
“Effect on charities abhorrent”
“Although these burglaries have taken place at a range of business premises, the effect on charities is particularly abhorrent. We welcome the support of the community in condemning these burglaries, which are never tolerated on our island.
“Specialist officers and staff examine and analyse crime patterns across the island on a daily basis to establish any links between offences and possible suspects. There is no information at this time to confirm that charities specifically are being targeted. These burglaries are part of a wider number of crimes where thieves are looking at premises that store cash.
Renewing appeal
“Police would like to take this opportunity to renew our appeal to the public for their continued co-operation with any information on people or suspicious behaviour linked to burglaries.”
Anyone with information should contact Isle of Wight CID at Newport police station by phoning 101 or emailing [email protected]. Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
Guidance
Police are also reminding businesses to check their security measures wherever possible to ensure:
- Valuable stock is locked away securely during closing hours.
- Burglar alarms are activated when the premises are unoccupied.
- Photographs of valuable stock are taken to help trace items that may be reported stolen.
- CCTV is installed and kept in good working order.
- Perimeters are secure. This includes checking entrances, exits and outbuildings are locked, and not storing tools or other items such as ladders in visible and accessible places where potential burglars could use them to force entry to premises.
- Property is marked and logged. Etching, engraving, electronic tagging, website registration and ultraviolet marking all assists police in tracing and recovering stolen goods, and apprehending those responsible.
- A minimum amount of cash is kept in the tills. Bank your till takings as regularly as possible.
- Any safe on your premises should be the correct size to store your cash securely.
Image: alancleaver under a CC BY 2.0 license
