Victims urged to report burglaries
CHARLOTTE GREEN
ACOUNCILLOR has urged burglary victims to come forward after the Free Press revealed many are turning to social media over the police to report crime.
Following a spate of burglaries in the Valley last month where three homes were burgled in less than 24 hours Longholme councillor Steve Hughes has urged people to report incidents to the police - but said he understands ‘people’s frustrations’ over lack of action.
Treasured jewellery and family photos were stolen during the Rawtenstall and Bacup break-ins.
Coun Hughes said: “These burglaries are now happening over petty things, but it’s not petty for someone who’s had someone in their house taking their treasured possessions.
“People aren’t getting the response to calls they are making and that’s not acceptable. I understand people’s frustrations, ‘what’s the point of reporting it if no one’s going to come out and help me’? But these crimes need to be reported, otherwise we don’t know where the hotspots are and police can’t build an evidence base. Once someone knows they can get away with it they will keep trying their luck again and again.
“We all know police services are getting cut and that’s a recipe for more crime in the area. When you start to feel like you can’t turn your back for a second, it’s not nice to live in a place like that. You can’t cut all these frontline officers without seeing an impact on the ground.”
Coun Hughes, who is a head of operational services at Citizens Advice, added burglaries can have ●● Councillor Steve Hughes said burglaries needed to be reported so police know where the hot-spots are long-lasting effects.
He said: “People start getting panic attacks, they become obsessed with making sure their doors are locked, it does have an impact on people’s health and wellbeing. Some people don’t feel safe in their own homes.”
PCSO Chris Hamer said he advises people to use a home safe to keep their valuables secure.
He said: “It isn’t unheard of for low value sentimental items to be stolen as some burglars aren’t as calculating when it comes to their choice of items to take.
“Thousands can be spent on home security and determined burglars will still get in. My top tip for people with valuable jewellery is to buy a basic home safe and make sure it’s bolted down to something.”
A Lancashire Police spokesman said: “We would like to reassure residents and ask anyone who is the victim of a crime to report it to us immediately.”
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