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Police in Stockport are launching a new blitz on burglars to bring down crime, increase the number of burglars convicted and provide a high profile presence on the streets.

As part of Operation Storm, police will continue to target known and suspected burglars through home visits and use the automated number plate recognition system (ANPR) to deter offenders.

Residents are being urged to help by registering their valuable items on Immobilise.com, the national property database, so if they are stolen and later recovered they can be returned to their rightful owner.

Property marking dates have been set up at Morrisons in Reddish on Wednesday 20 January 10am to 2pm and Mersey Square in Stockport Town Centre on Saturday 23 January between 10am and 4pm. At these dates officers will be on hand to help mark valuable items and provide specialist advice on how to beat the burglar.

Inspector Mike Griffiths, from the Stockport Division of Greater Manchester Police, said: “Many people like to start resolutions in January and I will like them to add registering their valuables to the list.

“The service is free and easy to use and helps to put a dent into the stolen goods market and simplify insurance claims and police reports. People will have many new items from the Christmas period so it really is important to protect them from thieves.”

Other tactics residents can use to secure their valuables is to make their property less vulnerable to burglars. Simple tips include:

· Keeping doors and windows shut and locked even when you are in. One in three burglaries are down to thieves getting in through open doors and windows.
· Keep gadgets and valuables out of sight and away from windows.
· Dispose of boxes that contained valuables by taking them to the tip - leaving them outside your home is an advert to thieves of what might be inside.
· Install and use your burglar alarm every time you leave the house and when you go to bed.
· Use lights, radios and timer switches to make your house look occupied.

Inspector Griffiths continued: “Your favourite gadgets and valuable items are also the most wanted items for burglars and thieves. A few minutes can really save you a lot of heartache so please follow these tips and register today.”

Neighbourhood Policing Teams can be contacted on the details listed below: -

Stockport Central Neighbourhood Policing Team covering Stockport town Centre, Edgeley and Cheadle Heath
0161 856 5902 / stockport.centralnpt@gmp.police.uk

Stockport North Neighbourhood Policing Team covering Reddish, Brinnington and the Heatons
0161 856 9786 / stockport.northnpt@gmp.police.uk

Stockport East Neighbourhood Policing Team covering Marple, Werneth, Offerton, Hazel Grove and High Lane
0161 856 9973 / stockport.eastnpt@gmp.police.uk

Stockport West Neighbourhood Policing Team covering on Adswood, Cheadle, Gatley, Heald Green, Cheadle Hulme, Bramall and Woodford
0161 856 9770 / stockport.westnpt@gmp.police.uk.

Stockport’s Anti-Social Behaviour Hotline can also be called on 0161 217 6111.

You can call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

Only call 999 in an emergency or where there is a threat to life or a crime in progress.

To report crime call police on 0161 872 5050 or for more information visit gmp.police.uk.