AN operation has been launched aimed at disrupting the activities of known Wyre Forest burglars.

Operation Intercept centres on criminals whose offending is expected to escalate on the run up to Christmas.

Officers will be stopping and searching them at every opportunity, and paying particular attention to clothing and footwear. They will also be submitting intelligence reports.

Detective Sergeant Stuart Clark of Kidderminster CID said: "We have a number of targets, who are known for committing burglaries and other offences.

"Break-ins often increase in the run-up to Christmas, when burglars know there is likely to be more cash and gifts, including expensive jewellery and electrical items, in homes.

"It also gets dark earlier, and criminals know residents are likely to be out a lot, shopping, or visiting relatives or friends. Householders who are busy rushing around getting ready for Christmas may also pay less attention than usual to home security, and burglars will take full advantage of this.

"Burglaries are always distressing for victims, but at this time of year, when the items stolen are likely to include presents, they find it particularly traumatic.

"However many burglaries are carried out by opportunist thieves and can be prevented."

DS Clark said residents were urged not to put their Christmas tree and presents in front of a window where they can be easily seen and not to store presents in sheds and garages as these are easy targets for potential burglars. If they must use outbuildings, make sure they are kept well secured and think about investing in outside security lights.

Other advice includes:

  • During the darker winter evenings, a well lit home gives the impression that someone is in. Householders are recommended to use energy efficient light bulbs and timer switches on lights to deter burglars if they are going out for the evening or will be late home and always make sure that windows and doors are locked and that gates are well secured.
  • After presents have been opened on Christmas Day, don't advertise expensive new gifts by leaving the empty boxes outside the house. Try to dispose of the packaging carefully by taking it to a recycling centre or keep it out of sight until the day the rubbish is collected.
  • If going away for Christmas it's a good idea to ask a trusted friend or neighbour to open and shut the curtains and move any post and newspapers away from the front door.
  • DS Clark added that using a property marking system such as SmartWater helps the police return stolen property to its rightful owner. Everyone now taken into custody at Kidderminster Police Station is tested for traces of SmartWater, which is virtually impossible to remove, irrespective of the offence for which they are arrested.

    Anyone with information about burglaries in Wyre Forest is asked to contact police on 0300 333 3000 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.