We are continuing to crackdown on residential burglaries

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

• ·outcome rates for burglary offences have risen both nationally and locally

From February last year to February this year, we charged more than 190 suspects with burglary offences across Staffordshire and attended more than 2,800 burglary reports in 2022.

In February this year, a team of specialist officers have been working alongside neighbourhood officers in Stoke-on-Trent to investigate burglaries. This has led to an increase in charging suspects for burglary, theft and robbery, a case against 13 individuals for burglaries across the city, the recovery of a significant amount of stolen property and an improved outcome rate of 19.4%, which is far higher than the national average.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Bryan, who is the force’s burglary lead, said: “Burglary has a significant and long-lasting effect on victims and we are committed to bringing more offenders to justice in Staffordshire.

“Though we recognise there is a lot more work to be done, I am pleased that we have already seen significant improvements in justice outcomes for victims and I know we will see further prosecutions in the weeks and months to come.”

Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime, Ben Adams said: “I understand the distress felt by anyone experiencing a break in. The impact of burglary cannot be underestimated, so a police visit to provide reassurance, collect evidence and offer prevention advice is essential in my view.

“This approach was first taken by Staffordshire Police in February 2020 and I’m pleased that residents across England and Wales are now benefitting from the same service that people in Staffordshire have received.”

To find out how to protect your property from burglary, see: Protecting your home from crime | Crime prevention | Staffordshire Police

To report crime in your area, contact us via Live Chat on our website – www.staffordshire.police.uk or call 101.

Always call 999 in an emergency.