Chief officer issues warning to burglars

“We will pursue those criminals who think they can commit burglary in Essex and bring them before the courts to face justice.”

This is the stern warning from Superintendent Tim Tubbs - the force’s strategic lead for burglary.

“At the end of October the clocks go back an hour, signalling the start of winter and darker evenings for all of us.
"Criminals will try and take advantage of the longer nights. We know this and we will be using a number of tactics to disrupt their activities.
"Burglary is understandably a concern for our communities, as it is for us.
"That is why teams from across the force - from community officers and detectives to information analysts and scenes of crime investigators - are working together to close the net on those who think they can break into people’s homes.
"We fully investigate all reports of burglary and work tirelessly to ensure that anyone who breaks into people’s homes and violates their personal space is arrested, charged and punished for their actions.”

This work happens every day, through proactive patrols and covert operations to behind-the-scenes analysis and cross-border initiatives.

Alongside this commitment we want to make sure people across the county are taking the simple and vital steps which can help keep their homes secure.

We’ve been going door-to-door sharing crime prevention tools and advice to keep your homes, cars and properties safe.

Thanks to crime prevention work like this there have been 3,300 fewer residential burglaries this year than five years ago – a drop of more than 40%.

Supt Tubbs added:

“It is very unlikely that you will be burgled in Essex and this year we continue to see reductions, but even one burglary is one too many and we want to help people reduce their risk.
"Please take the time to check the information and advice on our website, but remember if you have questions or concerns then come and to talk to us.
"Officers in your community are always happy to chat to you about any concerns you have and we also host engagement events and work with partners.”

The three key things we want you to think about this winter are:

• Ensure your doors and windows are closed and properly locked and secured up. Remember to double lock all UPCV doors.
• Maintain fences and cut back hedges so that no one can hide behind or jump over.
• Consider the use of external lighting so there is no where for a burglar to hide, but also, make your home occupied when your out by using a timer switch on a lamp etc.

Stay Safe