Theresa Villiers, MP for Chipping Barnet, has welcomed the action being taken by the police in Barnet to combat burglary. Taking up the concerns of residents, Theresa has urged the police to put burglary at the top of their list of local priorities. Operation Maxilla was launched in November and officers undertook a number of initiatives including plain clothes and hi visibility patrols, utilising ANPR (Automated Number Plate Recognition) cameras and providing crime prevention advice.
Since the start of the operation, the police have reported a significant reduction in burglary offences, compared with the preceding five weeks. With regard to residential offences, there has been an 18 per cent reduction, or 60 fewer crimes. Officers have made 57 arrests, including seven wanted burglars. Using intelligence-led policing officers have carried out 188 stop and searches, 453 stop and accounts, issued seven penalty notices and seized 26 vehicles.
Theresa Villiers said: "Whilst carrying out my regular doorstep calls to hear from local residents on their views and concerns, a number of people have highlighted their worries about burglary in recent weeks. I have been encouraging the police to give a high priority to tackling this type fo crime which can do so much harm. I therefore welcome the work underway to crack down on this type of crime which can do so much harm.
London Mayoral candidate Zac Goldsmith said: “I welcome this initiative to crack down on burglaries across the borough and pay tribute to the work of the police here and across the capital.
“Having protected the police budget, Conservatives like Dan Thomas for Barnet & Camden are helping to deliver safer streets for all who live and work in London”
Dan Thomas, candidate for the Greater London Assembly, said “These figures from the local police force are very encouraging. If elected, I look forward to working with the police and with the local Members of Parliament to see further reductions in crime so that all residents can feel safe in their homes.”
To help prevent burglary, residents are advised to:
1. Close and lock all doors and windows, even if you are only going out for a few minutes.
2. Keep your valuables out of sight.
3. Fit a mortice lock to your front door and other external doors. Consider installing a burglar alarm.
4. Leave some lights on if it will be dark before you get home.
5. Do not leave your car keys or ID documents near a door, letterbox or window.
6. Always check who's at the door and don't open it if you feel anxious.
7. Always keep sheds and outbuilding locked.
8. Mark or etch your property with your postcode, house or flat number or the first three letters of your house name.
9. Register items with a serial number at: immobilise.com
10. Cancel milk or other deliveries if you will be away for days or weeks at a time.