More police on the beat as thieves turn to targeting cars and outbuildings in Northamptonshire

Police are putting more bobbies on the beat as criminals get smart to the corovnavirus lockdown in Northamptonshire.

Residential break-ins are down as more people stay at home since the Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered the country to stay at home ten days ago.

But a spike in the number of thefts from vehicles, sheds and garages has prompted police to increase the number of officers on patrol.

Neighbourhood Inspector Rob Offord, said: “Criminals are exceptionally resourceful people and while we would love them to apply this resourcefulness to something useful that might benefit society, unfortunately they apply it to taking advantage of society instead.

“Since the lockdown at the end of last month, we have seen a rise in break-ins to outbuildings such as sheds and garages, as well as an increase in thefts from motor vehicles, and we want to inform the public so they can take the necessary steps to protect their hard-earned possessions.

Visit www.northants.police.uk/cp more detailed crime prevention tips

“If you can, please remove any valuable items that might tempt criminals from your sheds and garages as well as from your cars and vans. Don’t let them take advantage of this global pandemic to steal things we know you have worked hard for.

“Increased police patrols are taking place across the county for reassurance but we would also encourage you to report anything out of place to us – whether that’s suspicious people or cars in your area, we want to hear about it so we can get ahead of those who seek to commit crime.”

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