POLICE are today launching a series of proactive, high visibility patrols in residential and built-up areas to tackle and prevent burglaries.
On Wednesday night (8 December) the Cotswolds had over 65 sheds broken into and numerous items stolen in the Cirencester area.
Stroud also saw a series of burglaries last weekend (Saturday 4 December) where five houses were broken into by smashing windows and also had numerous items stolen.
Operation Santa will see local and neighborhood officers patrol the streets from 4pm onwards when burglars are most likely to strike under cover of darkness.
The Operation will take place today (Friday) and tomorrow night (Saturday) and officers will now be out in numbers patrolling streets that have previously been victim to break-ins.
Cotswolds Neighbourhood Inspector Simon Ellson said: “This time of year is a popular one for burglars, they have a lot more hours of darkness to commit their crimes and residents have often stocked up on valuable items as Christmas gifts.
“Burglary is an awful crime that not only robs people of possessions but makes them feel unsafe in their own homes. We are making every effort to protect residents and prevent them from becoming victims of burglary.
“We want to bring burglars to justice and protect as many homes as possible.
“There are lots of different tools you can use to make your home unattractive to burglars.
“Simple light timers and alarms can be what puts offenders off. Our officers will happily provide you with advice on ways to protect your home, so feel free to ask them when you see them out on the streets.”
