Mid Sussex second-hand dealers part of police initiative

This is part of a new initiative in which policing teams in Sussex are preparing to run a week of local and cross-border burglary operations together with Neighbourhood Watch volunteers and officers in neighbouring forces.

The week of action, between 11-18 November, forms part of Operation Magpie, Sussex Police’s crackdown on domestic burglaries across the county.

Cross border operations run jointly with Kent and Surrey police will use automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology to target burglars who operate across the region.

Based at locations around the county, these operations will be run with the intention of denying the use of the roads to burglars.

Residents living in historic and current burglary hotspots will be visited by local neighbourhood policing teams and special constables who will provide crime prevention advice and encourage people to report any suspicious behaviour. Plain clothes patrols will also take place in areas where suspicious behaviour has been reported.

Crime prevention stands, street briefings and roadshows will be led by crime prevention officers and PCSOs.

Second-hand dealers in Mid Sussex and Arun are part of the operation with police visiting them. Handling stolen goods is a serious offence that can have the same penalties attached as being found guilty of burglary.

Chief Inspector Katy Woolford said: “Since January, 244 people have been charged with a total of 414 burglary offences in Sussex. Our officers, staff and volunteers are working to do everything possible to crack down on burglary.

“We know that the majority of burglars are opportunists who will exploit any opportunity to get their hands on other people’s property. You can help us to tackle burglary in Sussex by taking every step possible to keep your home secure - simple measures like double-locking your front door and using window locks are proven to be effective deterrents.”

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne, said: “I am pleased to see Sussex Police focusing on tackling burglary, especially at this time of year when burglaries typically increase due to the darker evenings.

“During my last monthly performance and accountability meeting with the Chief Constable I was encouraged to hear that Op Magpie is starting to yield positive results. However, I am not complacent.

“Residents tell me that burglary is a concern to them and I will continue to challenge the Chief Constable on this issue.

“Partnership working and prevention are key to crime reduction.

“Neighbourhood Watch members are playing a vital role in helping the police to provide crime prevention advice so that residents understand how they can protect their homes.

“However, I still believe there is more work to be done with our partners locally and nationally to share best practice. I want to understand what’s working in other parts of the country so that this can be replicated in Sussex.

“Over the next week I will be joining officers from Sussex and our neighbouring police forces to find out how criminals who use our roads are being targeted across our borders. I look forward to seeing this work in action.”