CLLR URGES LOCAL PEOPLE TO BE ALERT TO THE DANGER OF SNEAK IN THIEVES - "LOCK THAT DOOR - STOP ONE IN FOUR"

4.04.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 3rd Apr 2008

“The “Lock That Door Stops One in Four” initiative proposed by West Yorkshire Police seems to be precisely what we need in the area.”

Spen Valley residents need to be alert to the potential threat posed by sneak-in-thieves says Cllr Andrew Pinnock (Lib Dem, Cleckheaton Ward).

A report tabled at Spen Valley Area Committee on Tuesday 8th April, advised that in 2006/07 63 out of 231 burglaries in the Spen Valley locality were committed by opportunistic, sneak-in-thieves. This is approximately 1 in 4.

Cllr Pinnock says:

"According to this statistic, we certainly need to be doing more to make people alert to this particular threat".

"A targeted campaign aimed at raising people's awareness has the potential to slash the burglary rate by up to 25% between now and next year. This would be a huge step toward to making the area an even safer place to live."

"The "Lock That Door Stops One in Four" initiative proposed by West Yorkshire Police seems to be precisely what we need in the area."

"Lock That Door Stop One In Four" proposed to the area committee by West Yorkshire Police aims to reduce burglary rates by raising public awareness of the threat posed by sneak in thieves. In total the committee is being asked to commit £4,820 to fund bus advertising and the production of leaflets and other advertising materials including keys 5000 key rings. The initiative would initially run for two months with its impact being assessed against burglary figures from the corresponding period in 2007.

"Setting up this campaign now in the run up to summer when people are more tempted to leave doors unlocked or open seems very sensible. I and my fellow ward colleagues gave it our backing and we urge all residents to take note make sure they keep their homes and possessions secure at all times"