Cracking Down On Burglary

Free burglary prevention advice and a crack-down on repeat burglars are part of a new package of support to help the public to protect themselves from burglary and help keep crime down, announced by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith today.

The package is part of wider government action to help increase people's personal security, particularly those who are the most vulnerable to burglary, and ensure that criminals face the consequences of their crimes.

Today, police forces and Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships across the country are focussing their efforts as part of a national day of action to tackle burglary. Activity will include arrest operations and community work such as street briefings, safety roadshows and practical work fitting security devices at the homes of vulnerable people.

It follows a burglary summit hosted by the Home Secretary in February which brought together representatives from charities, public and private sector organisations to discuss practical measures to keep crime down, backed up by a £20 million fund. Today's announcement sets out how £15 million of that fund will be spent.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said: "Burglary has more than halved in the last ten years. The public are our best weapon in fighting crime and I want us all to work together to stop those criminals who may think they can take advantage in tough times.

"We are better equipped than ever before to meet the current challenges and all over the country police are turning the tables on burglars, cracking down on those who repeatedly offend. There are lots of simple, practical steps we can take to secure our home in the new free burglary prevention pack that I am making available to everyone.

"I am delighted to be working with leading DIY stores B&Q and Focus DIY to ensure that home security equipment is as affordable as possible. This will run alongside a Home Office funded handyman scheme to secure over 45,000 homes."

The £15 million package includes a wide range of measures that combine tougher enforcement action by police with support and education to the public and targeted help for those communities most at risk from burglary.

As well as the victims, people living near a home which has been burgled will receive comprehensive advice and information from the authorities on how to prevent future burglaries of their property, including discount cards from the national DIY chain Focus DIY and B&Q.

(JM/BMcC)