Burglary prevention advice for warm weather and recent arrests

In the last two weeks, five burglars have been caught in Merseyside, charged and put before the courts. Detectives are pleased to see these offenders being charged but they would like to remind members of the public to remain vigilant and ensure their home is secure as the weather gets warmer.
Detective Inspector Kevin O’Rourke from the force’s dedicated burglary team, known as Operation Castle, said: “These recent arrests relate to several different cases investigated by detectives in teams across the force area. Burglary is an invasive crime, and the cases often involve complex investigative work, so it is very pleasing when lines of enquiry and all the evidence gathering come together.”

On Tuesday 4 June, Alan Davies, aged 45, of Euston Grove, Prenton, was charged with offences of burglary, theft, vehicle interference and fraud by false representation. He was remanded in custody and appeared in court on Wednesday 5 June. This case relates to reports being received on Monday 20 May of a man trying door handles of cars and homes in Grafton Street, Oxton. Further enquiries established that entry had been gained to a property and a pedal cycle and wallet stolen. A cash card was reportedly then used at a local garage.

On Tuesday 4 June, Maxine Tomney, aged 54, of Geneva Road, Liverpool, was charged with four counts of burglary in relation to offences committed at properties on Christopher Street in north Liverpool, Marybone in the city centre, Walton Village and Swiss Road in Kensington.

On Thursday 30 May, Mark Newcombe, aged 33, of Crispin Street, St Helens, was charged with burglary following a report of items being stolen from the communal area of flats in Hardshaw Street, St Helens.

On Wednesday 22 May, Lee Dixon, aged 55, of no fixed address, was charged with eight counts of burglary in relation to break-ins at properties in and around the Liverpool city area between March and May this year.

On Tuesday 21 May, Adrian Debacker, aged 51, of Statton Road, Liverpool, was charged with burglary in relation to items being stolen from the victim’s garage in Oakvale Road, Roby.

Detective Inspector O’Rourke added: “Whilst we are relentless in the pursuit of offenders and we welcome charges being brought, we know that many burglaries are preventable because offenders are often opportunistic. At this time of year, we see signs that criminals are taking advantage of the warmer weather so we are urging the public to take some simple measures that will make life difficult for potential burglars.

“Criminals will often try numerous handles on doors and windows in a street hoping to find at least one that opens easily. As summer approaches, these opportunities often become more inviting with the sight of doors and windows being left open to keep the occupants cool.

“Please remember to make sure you lock the door when you are at home as well as when you go out. Consider using trickle vents on windows or fans if they are available and double-check you have closed the windows overnight and when you leave the property.

“Don’t advertise your things to criminals – keep laptops and other valuables out of sight and remember to register your electronics and back up any work saved on them.

“Modern video surveillance cameras, including smart doorbells, can be very useful, particularly those with cloud-based apps, but you should check the guidance on the Information Commissioner’s Office website when installing CCTV at home.”

The support of communities is vital in helping the police put offenders behind bars. If you discover video footage on your home security camera or smart doorbell that shows someone acting suspiciously on your property, you can upload it for the attention of the Operation Castle team here:
https://unitedkingdom1cpp-portal.digital-policing.co.uk/merseyside/appeal/castle 

You can share any other information you think is useful via the Merseyside Police social media desk on X @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’.

You can also pass information via Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org