Police are urging people to be vigilant to help ‘beat the burglars’ as investigations continue into a spate of shed burglaries.
A proactive overnight policing operation has taken place this week and high-visibility and plain clothes patrols have been stepped up in the Mapperley area after around 10 burglaries were reported over the last month.
The targeted operational activity has involved neighbourhood policing team members working closely with Operation Reacher team colleagues, with officers continuing to hunt a suspect in connection with the crimes.
In support of their ongoing work to tackle the issue, officers are also sharing crime prevention advice and urging residents to check their security to help prevent further offences.
Officers have carried out awareness-raising letter drops in the area, offering advice and urging people to review their security, and will be continuing with this crime prevention activity over the weekend.
Inspector Chris Jury, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We are urging residents to take positive action and make sure to make it as difficult as possible for criminals targeting their sheds and properties.
“Never leave sheds or garages unlocked, especially if they connect to your property, and please ensure all sheds, garages and property, especially bicycles, are secured each day along with garden tools.
“We would advise residents to put some form of alarm on their shed to deter offenders and, if possible, padlock and secure any side gates or access to rear gardens.
“Driving down burglaries is a priority for the force. The impact and consequences of burglary on victims, particularly the trauma and emotional upheaval it can cause, is why we treat it so seriously.
“I’d like to reassure people that we are continuing to work relentlessly to prevent incidents from happening and we will use every method at our disposal to catch offenders and bring burglars to justice.
“Simple security measures can go a long way to deterring a would-be intruder and we are urging householders to take extra steps to protect their properties and make sure they are not an easy target.”
Insp Jury added: “While have increased patrols in the Mapperley area following these shed burglaries we also rely on the public to be our eyes and ears to help tackle burglary.
“If you see any suspicious activity or have any concerns then it’s really important that you get in touch with us and report this as soon as possible.”
If you see anyone acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood call Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency call 999.
