Coal Aston residents given burglary prevention packs after homes left insecure

NE Derbyshire Community Safety Manager Faye Green, NHW co-ordinator David Archer and Sgt Mel Hagues

Coal Aston residents have been given burglary prevention packs and advice on keeping their homes secure after undercover officers found a number of homes left vulnerable to criminals.

Officers found the insecurities while carrying out Operation Flatware, an overnight operation to target burglars, following a number of break-ins and reports of people acting suspiciously in the area.

The operation led to the arrest of an 18-year-old man and the recovery of a hammer and a mountain bike but officers also found a number of houses with downstairs windows open and keys left in the door.

Local officers and members of the NE Derbyshire Community Safety Partnership (CSP) handed out the crime prevention packs, which include property marking pens, sat nav cloths and stickers to deter criminals, on Thursday, April 29.

Houses on Stone Road, Stone Close and Wilson Avenue were all given the packs which are funded by the CSP.

Community Safety Partnership Sergeant Mel Hagues said: "The area has suffered from a couple of burglaries in recent weeks and due to its location can be a target for cross-border criminals from Sheffield.

"We want to educate people and remind them to be vigilant to the dangers of burglary, especially now the warmer weather is coming.

"Never leave windows open when you are not in the room and always lock doors. Make sure keys and valuables are in a safe place and out of view to potential burglars."

Local Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator David Archer said: "Coal Aston is a nice, safe place to live but people do need to be careful about making sure their home is not an easy target.

"I will be speaking to my neighbours about this and I have got some SmartWater kits through Neighbourhood Watch for them to use on their homes to deter thieves further."

If you have any information regarding crime in your area or would like more information about crime prevention call Derbyshire police on 0345 123 3333.