Reporter: Ask Bury
Date online: 02 April 2008

Police and partners at BurySafe are warning residents in Bury to keep their car and house keys in a secure place following a number of ‘hook and cane’ burglaries across the area.

Police say that because of increased security on vehicles, they are seeing a trend of criminals targeting homes to steal car keys.

Three offences occurred last week in the Whitefield and Bury area during the evening and over night, where thieves hooked keys to gain entry into a house to steal computers and a car was also taken.

Crime reduction advisor for Bury police, Gaynor Mason said: “Offenders can easily reach keys and even wallets and handbags by ‘fishing’ through letterboxes using a cane with a hook or strong magnet on the end. Many people don’t think this is something that will happen to them in their home, but it’s a simple way for thieves to quickly gain entry to your house or make off with your car.

“To avoid becoming a victim of this type of crime, residents should never leave their car or house keys on view either near window sills, in porches or in hallways. We would urge people to put them away out of sight, preferably in a locked drawer or cabinet.

“Security lighting at doors and windows can also help to make life harder for thieves, as can letterbox visor guards.”

For further information on home security, residents in Bury can call Gaynor Mason on 0161 856 8046.