Hook and cane burglary warning for Prestwich and Whitefield residents

Date published: 25 August 2011

The Prestwich & Whitefield Neighbourhood Policing Teams are warning residents to keep their car and house keys in a secure place following a report of a ‘hook and cane’ type burglary in Prestwich.

Police say that because of the increased security of vehicles, criminals will target homes to steal car keys. The offences usually occur during the evening & overnight, where the opportunist criminal will hook house or car keys through letterboxes.

Neighbourhood Inspector for Prestwich & Whitefield, Mark Kenny, said: “Offenders can easily reach keys and even wallets and handbags by ‘fishing’ through letterboxes using a device with a hook or strong magnet on the end. Many people believe this is something that will not 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 keys.

“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. Leaving a downstairs light on, setting the house alarm, and installing security lighting at doors and windows can also help to make life harder for the criminal, as can letterbox hoods and visor guards”

If you have any information on crime in your neighbourhoods please call your local your local neighbourhood policing team. Officers are on hand to offer security advice about homes and vehicles.