Operation Castle - Summer crime prevention advice and thanks to the community as burglary offences decrease in Merseyside.



Burglary offences are decreasing across Merseyside following the launch of Operation Castle earlier this year, although we are reminding people to remain vigilant over the summer holiday weeks.

Operation Castle was launched in February to reinforce our commitment to tackling burglary as a main priority for Merseyside Police. Since March, a 7.9% decrease in burglary dwelling offences has been recorded across the force compared to the same period last year. Since the operation began, more than 450 people have been arrested in connection with burglary offences, and numerous people charged and awaiting further action. There are a further 13 suspects also on remand for sentencing or trial.

Some of the notable Operation Castle sentences at court are as follows:

• 60-year-old John Mockler of no fixed abode was sentenced to four years for a jewellery burglary from an address in Crosby in April.

• 21-year-old Charlie Swann of Meadow Lane, West Derby was sentenced to four years in prison for burglaries in Ellesmere Port and Neston, following a joint investigation with Cheshire Constabulary.

• 35-year-old Anthony Ready of Worcester Road, Bootle was sentenced to four years in prison for a jewellery and laptop burglary in Bootle in March.

• 68-year-old Anthony Edwards of Higson Court, Toxteth was sentenced to four years in prison for a jewellery burglary in Birkenhead in February.

The operation has intensified the force’s focus on burglary and is now reducing the number of offences, as well as aiming to raise community confidence, reassure residents and victims, and reduce the number of outstanding named suspects for burglary.

Superintendent Matt Boyle, who is leading the operation, said: "In March, following a rise in offences, we launched Operation Castle, to target offenders and reduce burglary offences. The results so far are encouraging but we will continue to proactively target offenders and put them before the courts, with your help. I want to thank the communities for all information which, as you can see, makes a real difference.

"We understand that burglary has a massive impact on victims. It can be a really personal and invasive crime and victims can struggle to come to terms with offenders having entered their homes and stolen personal items, which often don't have huge monetary value, but on a personal level can be irreplaceable.

"Over the summer months, activity will continue and residents can look at our social media sites and their own local policing websites where they will find a host of information on burglary hotspots, extra patrols, and advice on security.

Superintendent Boyle continued: “When we launched Operation Castle, it was a big push on tackling burglary and bringing offenders to justice. We have put more patrols out, and I would continue to ask people to report anything suspicious, and come forward with any information you may have seen or heard.

"A decrease in offences is obviously good news for the communities but it is only the first step. We are not complacent and recognise that burglaries have not been completely removed from the streets of Merseyside.

"We are continuing to ask the public to be vigilant as we know the vast majority of burglaries are still preventable as they are often opportunistic. Lock your front and back door even when you are in, set your burglar alarm when you go out or go to be and consider getting CCTV.

"We continue to remind people over the summer that on hot days, although it might be tempting to leave windows and doors wide open to cool down, be careful not to leave yourself vulnerable by leaving your home in this way.

Lights



"It’s also a good idea to use light timers when you go out at night or during the summer holiday period, keep valuables out of sight, and secure your shed and garage too. Look out for your neighbours, especially the elderly, and report anything suspicious to us.

"Your home is your castle, hence the name of the operation, and we want the community to feel safe in their own homes. And you can be a part of this, online and in your community. We have been working closely with Neighbourhood Watch schemes so get involved in your local area and help to make a difference down your street. And you can speak to your local officers about the operation, or with any information you may have.”

Further information on policing in your area can be found at /local-policing/ or on our local policing Twitter and Facebook pages. You can follow the hashtags #OpCastle #BeatTheBurglar to see updates

Anyone with information regarding burglaries is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC. You can also call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-in...ve-information.

I agree with Clive.

'Ditto'