Police launch new initiative in Worcestershire to catch burglars

Around 140 more burglaries than were expected based on previous year’s figures have taken place across the West Mercia Police force area since April.

The new scheme aims to catch the criminals who are responsible for these burglaries and West Mercia Police say it is a high priority for the force.

The new approaches, already being used, have led to the arrest of over 600 people since April.

A new wanted section on the police website has also been updated with people they want to trace in relation with a variety of offences.

Since April 2010, 1,237 people living in West Mercia have been convicted of burglary.

In conjunction with the Police Authority, the force has stringent targets to ensure that no more than ten burglaries a day are committed across Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin.

The force's new Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Gareth Morgan will be leading the initiative, which will involve using a range of operational tactics to catch burglars and a targeted crime prevention advice campaign.

The operational tactics include greater analysis of crime patterns, coordinated use of new technology such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition software, partnership work as well as more traditional policing tactics such as high visibility patrols in burglary hotspots.

These new approaches are being targeted on known or suspected criminals.

ACC Morgan commented: "West Mercia Police is being very pro-active and we are seeing the results of our focused operational activity every day.

"However, there is a lot homeowners and businesses can do to make their properties more secure. We are concerned that many people to do not take the threat of burglary seriously enough.”

More detailed crime prevention advice is available on the force website and will be promoted through a new Twitter account, @CitadelWMP.

If anyone has any information about anyone featured on this page call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.