Advice issued following spate of rural burglaries

We are working alongside officers from Cheshire Constabulary to remind residents in rural communities to be vigilant following a spate of burglaries near the border of both counties.

It comes after vehicles and valuables have been targeted by thieves.

Most recently on Friday 29 March, a white Mercedes E300 displaying cloned plates was seen in the Leek area following a burglary in Macclesfield.

Officers from the Moorlands local policing team are working with our colleagues from Cheshire to remind communities to ensure properties are secure, valuable items are hidden from view and to be vigilant for neighbours in remote areas.

PC Adam Tonks, from the Moorlands local policing team, said: “We are working with officers from Cheshire Constabulary in carrying out enquiries into recent burglaries and it’s vital that you tell us about anything suspicious as soon as possible so we can bring those responsible to justice.

“Burglary can have a significant and long-lasting effect on victims and we are continuing to crackdown on residential burglaries as part of our commitment to attend all reported incidents across Staffordshire.”

Since we pledged in 2020 to attend and investigate all reported residential burglaries unless there is an exceptional reason for us not to do so, we have:

• seen a significant increase in the number of arrests and charges for burglary

• increased patrols in burglary hotspot areas

• neighbourhood officers have worked closely with experienced detectives to improve the effectiveness of burglary investigations

• liaised with other forces to identify cross-border patterns and offenders

There are a number of ways in which people can limit the chances of being targeted by opportunists, including:

•  Keeping front and back doors locked at all times – even when you’re at home

•  Keeping all valuable items out of sight of windows, and, if possible, in a safe

•  Installing CCTV and security lighting around the building

For more advice on protecting your home and making it secure, visit: Protecting your home from crime | Crime prevention | Staffordshire Police

Please report any suspicious activity or incidents to us on 101 or message us using Live Chat on our website. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.