It’s time to change.
That’s the message from the Manx police force as it unveiled a winter awareness campaign aimed at helping prevent island householders become a victim of burglary.
From Monday leaflets are being distributed to every home in the island outlining tips that could prevent your home being targeted.
Under the heading ‘It’s time to change - don’t become a victim of burglary’, the advice includes leaving lights on when your home is empty at night, keeping curtains closes and door and windows locked and always asking for ID from doorstep traders.
The offenders, believed to be professional criminals who travelled extensively to and from the island and only stole non-traceable cash and jewellery, have never been caught although police say they have disrupted their activities.
Detective Inspector Mark Newey said: ‘About one third of our crime is preventable. If the island’s residents take on board this timely reminder, that figure can be reduced and people can take positive steps to prevent themselves being a victims of crime.
‘It has been well documented that the Constabulary has undergone significant budget cuts and a reduction in numbers. By reducing the amount of preventable crime that has to be resourced, this will allow officers and staff more time to focus on other areas of criminality that is more resource intensive.
As part of the campaign, a number of dual ended UV and permanent marker pens have been purchased and will be available from police stations and Commissioners’ offices, enabling people to either overtly or covertly mark their property.
A number of posters have also been produced and these will be displayed in police stations, Commissioners’ buildings and other public buildings. The same poster being carried on the Constabulary’s vehicles.
DI Newey gave a timely reminder to anyone who has their own CCTV system to check that the date and time are correct, the lenses are clear from any obstructions and any recording device is working correctly.
