A police operation aiming to reduce twilight burglary offences in Wrexham this winter has been launched.
Operation Blue Vigilant, will see the Wrexham Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team, along with local councillors, working to identify vulnerable locations and provide advice to residents who need it most.
It comes following an annual rise in domestic burglaries as the lighter nights come to an end.
Sergeant Nathan Harvey of the Wrexham Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Traditionally, domestic burglaries tend to increase between September and April as the nights become darker.
“However, I would like to highlight that at the moment, offences do remain low in Wrexham.
“My main piece of advice to all homeowners at this time of year is not to leave valuables on show, and not to leave your house in darkness and advertise that nobody is in. If your property appears unoccupied, burglars may also notice this.
“If you’re going out, our advice is to leave a light on, or use a light switch timer to give the impression that someone is home.
“Due to the cost-of-living crisis, I understand that people might not want to do this.
“So, to help, we have applied for funding to issue light packs for residents who need them. They are an intelligent smart lighting system that automatically switch on in the dark, and don’t cost a lot to run when you are out.”
Officers hope Operation Blue Vigilant will also encourage people to report incidents or suspicious behaviour to the police.
PC Rebecca Subacchi of the Wrexham Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team added: “Operation Blue Vigilant is primarily about prevention – the more people that are aware and vigilant, the less opportunity there will be opportunist thieves.
“Family, friends and neighbours can also help play a key role in protecting residents by ensuring their properties are safe and secure, and acting on the advice police provide to them.
“We are conscious of the impact a burglary has on any individual – but conscious of the impact it has on our communities too.
“If you notice anything suspicious in your area, please bring it to our attention and contact is on 101 or via the live web chat.”
Andy Dunbobbin, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, added: “While rates of burglary remain thankfully low in Wrexham and across North Wales, it is important that we all take a few small steps to ensure our homes don’t attract any unwanted attention from criminals.
“This is especially true at this time of year, as the nights draw in and our streets become darker and quieter earlier.
“As always, the officers of North Wales Police are working hard to keep us all safe from the outset by offering advice and ensuring residents who need them get light packs to increase the security of their homes.
“As Police and Crime Commissioner, I have made a pledge to deliver safer neighbourhoods and I am pleased that the Force is taking this proactive approach, which should make streets and homes in Wrexham more secure in the winter months.
“I would urge all residents who qualify to take up the offer of these packs. It is always better to prevent a burglary than investigate one.”
Further crime prevention advice and information, can be found here. For up-to-date information about crime, engagement events, appeals, prevention advice and general policing activity in your local area, sign up to North Wales Community Alert here.
To look out for your neighbours and help make your street a safer place to live, you can also join a neighbourhood watch scheme, here.
