Senior police hand-deliver warnings to prolific burglars

Prolific burglars in the Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley of east Lancashire can expect a visit from the area's most senior police officers this month.

Superintendent Chris Bithell and Chief Inspector Damian Darcy from Eastern Division will be hand delivering warning letters to suspected burglars in the area.

This is part of Operation Julius which will run throughout the month July, aiming to reduce burglaries across Lancashire. Chief Inspector Damian Darcy who is leading the operation in Eastern Division said: “Burglary in Lancashire is at its lowest in 35 years but we want to keep it that way and this is just one of many tactics aimed at disrupting the activities of our most prolific burglars.

“This type of crime is iconic and has an adverse impact on public confidence, not only to victims but to the wider community. There are a small minority of people who are responsible for committing the majority of burglaries. The message to them is simple; we know who you are, we know where you live and if you continue to commit crime, you will be targeted.

“This is the first of many tactics which will be used against these people. This is drawing a line in the sand after which they have two options; they either stop committing crime, work with us and we will provide support in terms of drug treatment; or if they continue to commit crime, we will target them, arrest them and they may be sent to prison.

“I want to reassure people that burglary is low in Eastern Division and we will do all we can to keep it that way.”