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Search forPolice in break-in blitz as crimewave strikes Bay
Friday, November 21, 2008, 09:41
They say it's too early to say whether the heavy increase in crime figures has any direct link to the economic downturn fuelling lawlessness.
Bay police commander Chris Singer says he's been encouraged by the apparent drop in the run of break-ins which have plagued Torquay since the beginning of October.
He said the 63 recorded burglaries and attempted break-ins at domestic and commercial properties over the past six weeks centred on a 'handful of individuals'.
Suspects were being actively targeted by a special team of officers working to break the back of the burglary blitz.
Supt Singer said: "There are concerns the credit crunch may be influencing this current spike in our figures, but it is too early to say.
"I think we will be in a better position after Christmas to make a more informed comment on the matter."
He added: "But the good news for now is that this spate of crimes is being reduced. And that is in part due to us targeting certain individuals, getting the message across about crime prevention and encouraging people to come to us with their concerns.
"Sometimes low level concerns by these people can pay substantial dividends with a lot of crimes being detected. Our Safety Partnership and crime reduction colleagues have played their part in achieving these encouraging results, as have the media who have been an excellent support."
But he said the current run of successes in stemming the crime flow could be helped further, with the public taking basic safety precautions over home security.
At least 40 per cent of the break-ins have been at properties which had been left insecure, either with an unlocked door or open window.
"People can do something to help us reduce some of these crimes by helping themselves. Just taking a little time and trouble to safeguard homes is all it needs," he suggested.
Since the crimewave started some 700 home security advice leaflets have been distributed around the town.
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