Tackling burglary in Harringay

Burglaries are on the rise in Haringey with around 10 committed a day and more than 350 homes broken into in the last six weeks.

The credit crunch, unemployment and the festive season are all provoking a higher-than-annual increase in residential burglaries in the borough.

Of the 358 break-ins since the beginning of October, 14 per cent of those occurred because windows or doors had been left open.

Now Haringey Police are stepping up their approach to catch these "opportunistic" criminals with Operation Spotlight and warning people how to better secure their homes.

Detective Sergeant Ash Hornsby said: "A rise in burglaries is a constant theme at this time of year and it is recognised as a serious crime problem.

"Clearly the dark nights are coming. That's one of the real crime generators. Christmas is also coming so people now have Christmas presents. And most recently with the credit crunch, unemployment is on the rise."

He also said prisoners are often let out around Christmas and there is a strong correlation between the areas where burglaries happen and criminal activitity such as drug abuse occurs.

Of Haringey's 19 wards, Harringay, Northumberland Park and Crouch End are the burglary "hotspots". From this month a dedicated undercover patrol car will monitor the areas at night to catch unsuspecting criminals.

Det Sgt Hornsby added: "There's a clear concentration in the southern end of the Ladder in Harringay. That's our main area of concern"

"We've got a very high density of premises in Harringay with more people living here per square metre. If a burglar gets in through a communal door, that's many premises."

But over the past few weeks Operation Spotlight has had an impact in the area. He said: "We're talking about Harringay being one of the busiest wards but it's not as busy as it was three weeks ago. It shows the efforts we are making are having a short term effect."

But over the past six weeks, one in seven burglaries has been in a property left insecure by its owner.

Police Constable Eric Childs offered advice to residents to protect themselves. He said: "Burglars are opportunists. They may see a particular property which is vulnerable.

"What we're trying to promote is a little bit of self-help. A lot of houses are very easily broken into because the lock is not strong enough. There is lots of information out there about the locks you should have.

"A burglar will not spend an amount of time getting into a house. The appropriate locks will deter and prevent these burglars.

"For example night latches can be slipped with a piece of plastic but just up-grading to a deadlocking night latch will prevent it this."

Det Sgt Hornsby added: "Close and lock and windows and doors. Remove any ladders or other tools lying around. It's about trying to minimise opportunity.

"In the current climate if people can engage a bit with their neighbours, a problem shared is often halved. If people are aware of it then they can keep an eye out for each other. That will make a difference."

Anyone who sees anything suspicious can call 999.

Haringey Independent story by Charlotte Gray