No Hiding Place For Burglars, Says Top Shropshire Detective

Shropshire's leading detective has called on the public to help police "put the squeeze" on burglars to make sure they have no place to hide.

More than 70 homes were broken into across the county during the first three weeks of November, stretching police resources.

Extra police patrols were introduced during hours of darkness and stop-checks on suspicious vehicles and people were stepped up.

Police made a major breakthrough with the arrest of Steven Matthews, a 28-year-old prolific burglar from Bridgnorth.  He was interviewed and eventually admitted 15 offences, mostly house burglaries in Bridgnorth and Shrewsbury.

Matthews was jailed for three years and four months at Shrewsbury Crown Court earlier this week.

In welcoming the sentence, Detective Chief Inspector Alan Edwards, the head of Shropshire CID, said: "Make no mistake, if you burgle homes in Shropshire or handle stolen goods, you will be at the top of  the police most wanted list.

"People who break into the homes of others are a scourge, causing untold misery.  The prevention and detection of burglaries, especially of people's homes, are one of the top priorities for West Mercia Police."

He stressed the key to success in tracing offenders lay with the public working with the police.

"We need people to help us, to be our eyes and ears, and to report their suspicions especially if they spot something untoward.  If it seems suspicious, it probably is so call the police on the new non-emergency number 101."

DCI Edwards said Matthews was arrested with the help of information supplied by several anonymous members of the public.  "People who call us will always be treated in the strictest confidence, whether they are tipping us off with a name or just reporting some suspicious activity.

"I would urge people to either call the police on 101 or contact the anonymous Crimestoppers number, 0800 555 111, for which a reward may be paid."

 He added: "By working together with the public, as a team effort, we will continue to arrest burglars and put them before the courts.  Our aim, with the public's help, is to make our communities safer places in which to live and to reduce the risk of being broken into."

Issued: Thursday, 01 December 2011