Burglaries down almost 50% in five years across Essex

We don’t just attend burglaries, we catch burglars – that’s the message from our senior officers as the number of burglaries in Essex has almost halved compared to five years ago, with work to tackle these incidents showing great signs of success.

There were 6,921 burglaries in the 12 months to July 2023, down more than 45% from 12,404 in the year to July 2018.

Residential burglaries are also coming down over the same period, a 22% drop from 6,518 to 5,078.

We continue tacking this distressing crime by regularly reviewing hotspots which may be targeted by a repeat offender.

Our officers also work to establish linked offences or target known burglary offenders wanted for other matters.

We’re also investing to put more officers in communities. Our continued successful recruitment means we are now at record strength, and that strength is being reflected in the rising number of solved burglaries across our county.

This means we are taking repeat offenders like Shane Smith, 31, of Gypsy Lane in Little Dunmow, off the streets of Essex.

Smith pleaded guilty to 13 burglaries and attempted burglaries and was sentenced to seven years in prison in July 2023. He broke into nine homes and stole bank cards, phones and a even a dog from one home, but was connected to the string of offences by advanced forensics work by our officers.

Charles McGinley, 28, of Sherwell Road in Bristol, has also been convicted of a number of burglaries in south Essex. McGinley targeted victims in their 80s and 90s, posing as a council worker and forcing his way into their homes before stealing money and jewellery.

Officers tracked his vehicle and located him in the following days, and he was sentenced to two years and four months in prison in August 2023.

Superintendent Timothy Tubbs said:

“We know burglary is among the most violating of crimes.
“It has a significant impact on the wellbeing and the safety of our victims whose homes are broken into, which is why it’s such a high priority for our officers.
“Quick responses to burglary reports mean we have arrested suspects within minutes of calls being made to our control room, and have been able to collect crucial evidence that much faster.
“We assess every incident thoroughly to make sure we carry out a proportionate investigation based on the information and opportunities available.
“It’s this approach that uses our officer’s time most effectively – driving down the number of incidents and driving up the number of solved cases.”