Merseyside Police remind homeowners to remain vigilant during dark nights after recent burglary sentences

In the last three months, since November 2022, some of Merseyside’s most prolific burglars have been sentenced to a total of more than 114 years behind bars.

Detectives from our dedicated burglary team, known as Operation Castle, have welcomed these sentences but they would also like to remind members of the public to remain vigilant and ensure they take crime prevention measures to protect their home.

Detective Inspector Steve Byrom from Operation Castle said:

“Our relentless pursuit of burglars often involves complex investigative work, so it is very pleasing to see these sentences being handed down.

“We understand that burglary can have an enormous impact on victims. It can be a very personal and invasive crime and victims can struggle to come to terms with offenders having entered their homes and stolen items, which don’t always have huge monetary value, but on a personal level can be irreplaceable.

“During January this year, we have seen an 18 percent reduction in burglaries when compared with the same period last year, but we also see signs that criminals are taking advantage of the darker nights during the winter.

“Many burglaries are preventable because offenders are often opportunistic. It is important that people take home security seriously and there are a number of simple measures that will make life difficult for potential burglars.

“Criminals will often try dozens of handles on doors and windows in a street hoping to find at least one that opens easily – make sure yours isn’t one.

“Remember to make sure you lock the door when you are at home as well as when you go out, and if your door lock requires the handle to be pushed up to engage the locks, make sure you do that and turn the key.

“Don’t advertise your things to criminals – keep laptops and other valuables out of sight and remember to register your electronics and back up any work saved on them.

“Modern video surveillance cameras, including smart doorbells can be very useful, particularly those with cloud-based apps, but remember, you should check the guidance on the Information Commissioner’s Office website when installing CCTV at home.”

The support of our communities is vital in helping us put offenders behind bars. If you discover video footage on your home security camera, smart doorbell or even a dashcam that shows someone acting suspiciously on your property, you can upload it for the attention of the Operation Castle team here.

You can share any other information you think is useful via our social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’.

You can also pass information via Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form here.