Operation to reduce twilight burglary offences launched in North Flintshire

Police will be patrolling residential areas at night and offering crime prevention advice to protect elderly and vulnerable residents against twilight burglaries.

It comes as part of Operation Blue Instinct which has been launched in Flintshire North.

The multi-agency operation focuses on education and aims to reduce victims and target those that cause communities the most harm.

The Flintshire North area includes Queensferry, Shotton, Connah’s Quay, Flint and Holywell.

Engagement events will be held across the area in the coming weeks and months to provide advice and support, while officers will also be leaving leaflets at properties that appear unoccupied.

Flintshire North Patrol Sergeant, David Smith said: “The aim of Op Blue Instinct is to prevent burglary offences and protect vulnerable residents by reducing victims and targeting those that cause our community most harm.

“The nights drawing in means that you may be getting home from work after it goes dark and unlit houses attract criminals.

“There’s lots you can do including using automatic timers or motion sensors and if possible installing CCTV. Try to arrange for someone to take in any parcels you are expecting to avoid them being left out for any length of time

“This operation is primarily about prevention – the more people that are aware and vigilant, the less opportunity there will be opportunist thieves.”

Being a victim of burglary is a scary prospect but you can prevent this by taking some simple but effective measures:
* Lock your door and windows even when home
* Don’t leave your home in darkness, leave a light on or use a light timer to give the impression someone is in
* Keep valuables out of sight from windows and keys out of reach from doors