Offenders involved in the handling and sale of stolen property are being warned to look over their shoulders as a joint campaign aimed at cracking down on burglary launched.
A month-long campaign, which will run until Christmas, will not only target prolific offenders but will also turn the spotlight on those responsible for selling stolen goods.<br><br>Surrey Crimestoppers have teamed up with Surrey Police to encourage members of the public to provide information that will help put a stop to those who cash in on the misery of burglary victims.<br><br>The campaign will involve the doorstep drop of 15,000+ postcards and posters depicting the message “Stolen Stuff – who’s making money out of it in Surrey?” in areas of known burglar activity. In addition, Surrey officers will carry out targeted activity across the county including knocking on the doors of known burglars.<br><br>The public are being asked for their help in identifying those making money from burglary by either contacting the police or getting in touch with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if they do not want to talk to the police direct. Information given to Crimestoppers is always anonymous, your call cannot be traced and you will not be asked for your name.<br><br>This initiative, which is supported by Legal & General, follows on from Surrey Police’s Beat the Burglar campaign which ran throughout September and encouraged the county’s businesses and residents to make use of forensic marking products.<br><br>During the winter months domestic burglary levels in the county reach an annual peak with a typical increase of around 23% as the clocks go back and there are less daylight hours.<br><br>Kevin Morris, Surrey Crimestoppers Lead on Campaigns and Projects, said "Burglary is a crime that can have devastating consequences for the victim. That is why we are so pleased to join with Surrey Police to catch burglars and those who profit from it. We are determined to do all we can to keep Surrey as safe as possible and urge those who, for whatever reason, do not want to call the police to call us at Crimestoppers."<br><br>As part of the campaign Surrey Police, supported by the Surrey Special Constabulary, will be carrying out targeted patrols in areas affected by burglaries and also visiting homes to offer advice to residents.<br><br>There will also be an increased focus on proactive operations targeting offenders and the top ten known burglars from each area of the county can expect a visit from a Surrey officer.<br><br>Temporary Detective Superintendent Ian Chandler said: "Having your property broken into can have a devastating effect on victims who may be left feeling vulnerable and frightened in their own homes.<br><br>"Those involved in the handling and selling of stolen goods are cashing in on the misery of those victims. This campaign is designed to send a clear message that not only will we continue to relentlessly target burglars but also those involved the sale of stolen property.<br><br>"If you are offered goods at a price that sounds too good to be true and you suspect they may be stolen, we would always urge people to report it to police. We will always act on any information we receive but if you are not happy to speak to us directly then you can contact Crimestoppers and give the details anonymously.<br><br>"Removing the market for stolen goods removes the incentive for the burglar to commit offences in the first place. Burglars rarely give a second thought to the suffering they cause to others and we would ask the public to help us beat them by providing any information they can."
