Force puts the crunch on burglars and car criminals
Warwickshire Police has launched a major operation against burglars and car criminals following a recent increase in the number of offences across the county.
The force has formed a proactive team of officers to target criminals over the next three months. The Operation Crunch team will be supported by officers and staff in local Safer Neighbourhood teams, reactive and criminal investigation officers, intelligence unit staff, Task Force officers and officers in the force's Offender Management Unit, which already targets persistent and prolific offenders on a daily basis.
Chief Superintendent Mak Chishty, who is leading Operation Crunch said: "With the support of local communities and partners, we have been successful in reducing crime in Warwickshire. Last year there were 5,287 fewer offences (a drop of 11.7%) compared to 2006/2007 with car crime and house burglaries reduced by 24% and 17% respectively.
"The number of burglaries of people's homes and the number of cars broken into or stolen has shown an increase recently and we are not prepared to accept this.”
“We are making direct contact with known criminals in Warwickshire to inform them that they are being targeted.”
Intelligence Hotline Tell us who is responsible for burglary and car crime A dedicated hotline for members of the public to provide Warwickshire Police with information has been set up.
The Operation Crunch Intelligence Hotline - 01926 415247 - is a dedicated line for intelligence about burglars and car criminals and is staffed 24 hours a day. People who call this number will be speaking to a police intelligence officer or a police officer or member of staff in our control room.
Reporting crime
- Anyone who wishes to report a crime in Warwickshire should continue to call 01926 415000. Emergencies or crimes in progress
- In an emergency, if you are witnessing a crime in progress, call 999. Giving information anonymously
- Anyone who wants to provide information about crime or criminals but remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Calls are free, not traced and you won’t be asked for your name.
"The Intelligence Hotline is a direct link between the public and the officers working on Operation Crunch. We want members of the community to help us to track down the offenders who are causing serious harm in their communities.
“A few good pieces of intelligence when put together can link an individual to one or more crimes. Criminals need to be more concerned than ever that people now have an easy and visible way to pass information about them to us," added Chief Superintendent Chishty.