(Home Office) 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.

It includes:

* Intensified police operations around the country to turn the tables on repeat burglars, with burglary a top priority for the police nationally. This will be backed by £3 million funding in targeted areas, to step up the monitoring and management of burglars on release from prison;

* A free advice pack for people concerned about becoming victims of burglary that provides simple and practical advice on what they can do to prevent it. It includes discount vouchers for home security products from B&Q and Focus, a DIY company;

* A new £6 million Safer Homes fund to pay for local handy-people to visit up to 45,000 homes of people who are less likely to have good home security, such as older people and people on low incomes, and install security devices such as window locks making those houses more secure; and

* New advice from insurers on what home security measures householders can install to get the best deal from the insurance market.

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.

Neighbourhood Watch will also receive more funding to help increase membership and raise awareness of burglary prevention. To improve security for rental tenants, the Government will be working with local authorities, universities and landlords associations to increase landlord accreditation schemes, which include minimum requirements for security.

Graeme Gerrard, Deputy Chief Constable of Cheshire and ACPO Lead on Burglary, said:

"The police service continues to prioritise domestic burglary and is relentless in targeting those offenders who break into people's homes. We continue to work closely with the Home Office and our partners to assist homeowners in improving security and to provide support to the most vulnerable.

"ACPO is fully aware of the impact domestic burglary has on its victims and for this very reason every force is committed to tackling it. There is a clear message for persistent burglars and that is: we are coming after you and will use every investigative tactic available to bring you before the courts. Would-be burglars should also note that legislation states that persistent burglars should expect a prison sentence of at least three years. "

Euan Sutherland CEO of B&Q and Kingfisher UK said:

"Everyone should feel safe in their own home. This is not about scaremongering, it is about taking sensible precautions, and it needn't be expensive - we have bolts, padlocks and timer switches from as little as £2. We are delighted to be able to support the launch of the Government's new resource pack. In the pack you'll find a money off voucher for B&Q's 1,000 home security products, which will enable everyone to get what they need to secure their homes and ensure piece of mind."

Stephen Haddrill, Director General of the Association of British Insurers said

"People are more concerned about crime during the economic downturn. The insurance industry will work with the Government to ensure that customers get the best advice on home security. Customers will get the best deal from the insurance market if they put good security measures in place. If people want advice on security, their insurer will be able to help."

Bill Grimsey CEO Focus DIY said:

"At Focus we have been working closely with leading security product suppliers to improve customer advice both in-store and on the website, including 'A practical guide to securing your home' leaflet. We are committed to delivering a Community Support Card valid for three months, which provides a 10% discount to customers who have been burgled, and those who have been identified as 'at-risk'. By providing real, practical help we are making it more affordable for customers to protect and secure their homes and reduce the risk of crime."