A BURGLARY prevention campaign has resulted in the security of 21,000 York homes being checked by North Yorkshire Police.

Operation Joypad was the city’s biggest ever crime prevention campaign, involving dozens of police officers, PCSOs, Special Constables, cadets and volunteers.

It aimed to ensure York was a no-go area for sneak-in burglars over the summer, when crimes of opportunity tended to increase as homeowners left windows and doors open, said a force spokesman.

York Press:

More than 90 per cent were found to be secure and officers contacted owners of the 1,808 insecure properties and provided suitable property security advice.

Inspector Lee Pointon said: “To a burglar, an unlocked door or an open window is an invitation. “Taking advantage of the summer weather, opportunist thieves won’t hesitate to walk into your house and steal your laptop, phone or car keys. Thankfully, a few simple security measures can deter them.”