Police’s blitz on burglary saves £2.4m

The Home Office estimates every domestic burglary costs an average of £5,000 in terms of damage caused by the criminal, the value of the items taken, the emotional cost to the victim and the overall bill for the criminal justice system for investigating the crime.

The latest figures for this year show the number of burglaries committed in Sussex has fallen by almost 15 per cent – down from 3,281 between April, 2012 and January, 2013, to 2,795, from April 2013 to January this year.

Using the Government’s calculations, reducing the number of burglaries by 486 has saved the people of Sussex just over £2.4million during the last ten months.

Good result

Detective Superintendent Jez Graves said: “It is pleasing when our investigations result in the recovery of victims’ property and the imprisonment of offenders but we also put a lot of effort into trying to prevent the offences happening in the first place through visible and targeted patrols and by working with our communities and partners in relation to crime prevention.

“I’m pleased that there are fewer crimes and less victims but one burglary is one too many and I am determined to keep the pressure on criminals.”

Sussex Police launched Operation Magpie in June to tackle burglary across the county.

Tackling theft has been high on the list of priorities for Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne.

Mrs Bourne explained that during her time in office, residents had highlighted burglary rates as one of their main concerns – a concern which she claims, she has acted on.

‘Profound effect’

She said: “These latest figures show that the number of burglaries has fallen in the past 10 months, which is very encouraging and, critically, this reduction has saved the force a significant amount of money at a time when it is being asked to make considerable efficiencies.

“The impact of a burglary can have a profound effect on victims and they may often describe it as a robbery or an invasion of their home; terms that actually relate to acts on a person not a property. This reinforces the deep, personal impact that a burglary has on someone that experiences it.”

Police have advised those who have any information about a burglary to call 101, email [email protected] or phone the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

While those witnessing a burglary taking place should always call 999.