Sussex Police burglar action plan

BURGLARS will be targeted by police next week in a cross-border crackdown.
Generic images from Sussex PoliceGeneric images from Sussex Police
Generic images from Sussex Police

The week of action, between November 11-18, forms part of Operation Magpie, Sussex Police’s crackdown on domestic burglaries across the county.

It was revealed by Sussex Police that since January, 244 suspects were charged with 414 burglary offences in the county.

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Chief inspector Katy Woolford said: “Our officers, staff and volunteers are working to do everything possible to crack down on burglary.

“We know that the majority of burglars are opportunists who will exploit any opportunity to get their hands on other people’s property. You can help us to tackle burglary in Sussex by taking every step possible to keep your home secure - simple measures like double-locking your front door and using window locks are proven to be effective deterrents.”

As part of the crackdown, cross border operations will run jointly with Kent and Surrey police forces will use automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology to target burglars who operate across the region. Based at locations around the county, these operations will be run with the intention of denying the use of the roads to burglars.

Residents living in historic and current burglary hotspots will be visited by local neighbourhood policing teams and special constables who will provide crime prevention advice and encourage people to report any suspicious behaviour. Plain clothes patrols will also take place in areas where suspicious behaviour has been reported.

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Crime prevention stands, street briefings and roadshows will be led by crime prevention officers and PCSOs. I

Sussex police and crime commissioner, Katy Bourne, said: “I am pleased to see Sussex Police focusing on tackling burglary, especially at this time of year when burglaries typically increase due to the darker evenings.

“During my last monthly performance and accountability meeting with the chief constable I was encouraged to hear that Op Magpie is starting to yield positive results. However, I am not complacent.

“Residents tell me that burglary is a concern to them and I will continue to challenge the chief constable on this issue.”

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“Over the next week I will be joining officers from Sussex and our neighbouring police forces to find out how criminals who use our roads are being targeted across our borders. I look forward to seeing this work in action.”