Burglaries Plummet by 34% as Police Step Up Crime Scene Visits

In Manchester, a "back to basics" approach by the police has led to a significant reduction in burglaries, with at least five fewer incidents happening each day.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) implemented this strategy three years ago, following a Home Office directive, focusing on ensuring officers attended every burglary scene, pursued all reasonable leads, and invested in preventive measures.

Since the launch of Operation Castle in 2021, aimed at curbing house thefts, the number of burglaries in Manchester has dropped by 5,800, a 34% decrease from 22,830 to 17,022 by the 2023/24 period. This translates to over five fewer burglaries daily, with 4,000 of the reduction occurring in just the last year.

The operation's success extends beyond just numbers; the rate at which house thefts are solved has also increased significantly. Over the same period, the proportion of burglaries solved rose from 4% to 6.7%, marking a 67% improvement in detection rates, albeit from a low starting point. In the past two years, more than 750 suspects have been charged and remanded for residential or commercial burglaries.

The impact of GMP's approach has been so positive that, in October 2022, all 43 police forces in England and Wales adopted the model. Police chiefs across the country committed to having officers attend all home burglaries, though outbuildings and garden sheds were excluded from this promise.

Chief Superintendent Chris Foster, GMP's lead on burglary, emphasized the importance of the operation in getting repeat offenders off the streets. "It is rare that a burglar will commit just one burglary, and our proactive work is making a significant difference. In the last year alone, there have been 60 fewer victims each week," he stated.

This operation is part of a broader initiative led by Chief Constable Stephen Watson, who took over when the force was in special measures. His leadership has markedly improved GMP's performance in tackling crimes such as burglary, robbery, and vehicle crime. Earlier this year, Watson highlighted the shift in focus from merely reacting to crimes to proactively preventing them. "We answer calls promptly, arrive quickly, make precise records, and pursue all reasonable lines of inquiry to bring offenders to justice," he noted.

To further boost their effectiveness, GMP invested in additional training for officers and staff and established dedicated burglary teams within local districts. Residents were also provided with crime prevention advice to minimise repeat incidents. Furthermore, dedicated police vehicles were deployed to respond swiftly to burglary incidents, and £66,000 was allocated for prevention materials such as window alarms, door alarms, timer switches, fake TV strobe lights, ultraviolet marking pens, and property marking warning stickers.

Additionally, GMP has conducted Operation Castle seminars across the force, allowing officers to share successful tactics and experiences in combating burglary. This comprehensive approach has significantly contributed to making Manchester a safer place.

E&K Solicitors

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