Bognor Regis police initiative yields results

Operation Peapod, set up following a series of burglaries in the town, where houses and flats were targeted.

Laptops and jewellery are among items that have been stolen.

Hi-visibility patrols together with plain clothed officers have been dedicated to cracking down on the burglaries in a bid to reduce the number of offences being committed.

A police spokesperson said: “Between the end of December and the beginning of February we have stopped and spoken to 32 people as part of Operation Peapod, and of these 21 have been searched.

“As a direct result of the stops, five people have been arrested for going equipped for burglary.

“We’re delighted to report that burglaries in the area have significantly reduced since Peapod has been operating, but it will continue to run.

“This is also a timely reminder to homeowners to always secure their property adequately and to report any suspicious people seen in their area to police.”

Anyone requiring crime prevention advice or who would like their property security marked is asked to contact their local officer via the Sussex Police website at www.sussex.police.uk.