Police launch patrols in neighbourhoods targeted by burglars

Officers, PCSOs and police volunteers will be deployed to areas that have experienced burglaries or where residents have reported concerns about crime.

The operation will start in Bishopthorpe today, Tuesday, and will also focus on areas in Copmanthorpe, Dunnington, Osbaldwick, Poppleton, Skelton, Stockton-on-the-Forest, Strensall and Wigginton.

Temperatures are due to hit 23C this weekend and officers are worried that the warm weather will lead to a rise in burglaries as residents leave doors and windows unlocked.

As part of Operation Joypad, high-visibility patrols will knock on people's doors to offer crime prevention advice and a free security marking service using a dot peen machine.

Dot peen marking involves using a tungsten carbide-tipped pin to indent an object with dots to create a visible, permanent unique number, which is added to a database.

It can be used on a range of items including tools, computers, mobile phones, equestrian tack, golf clubs, musical instrument cases and bikes.

Inspector Lee Pointon, of York Police, said: “Although York is a very safe city to live, crimes of opportunity do tend to increase during warm summer evenings, as homeowners leave windows and doors open, or spend time in their back gardens.

“By concentrating on areas of the city where burglaries are a concern, we can make the best use of our resources, and keep York a no-go area for sneak-in thieves.

“Our Operation Joypad deployments will ensure that high-visibility police patrols deter criminals in the first place, and remind homeowners of the importance of home security. If you see our officers out and about in your area, please stop to say hello, and take the opportunity to get your valuable property security-marked.”

Police will also be promoting North Yorkshire Community Messaging, a free alert service which people can use to stay informed by text, email or through an app. To find out more, visit www.nycm.co.uk.