Police target burglars in major new campaign

Operation Julius is aimed at preventing crime, targeting criminals and detecting burglaries across the county.

This year’s campaign has been extended across autumn and winter, initially covering three distinct areas.

“Pursue” will involve targeting known burglary offenders and will be the focus for October, in November “prosecute” will focus on bringing offenders to justice and “prevent” will be the emphasis in December, aimed at stopping communities becoming victims of burglary.

Crime prevention advice will be given on the Constabulary’s Twitter @lancspolice and on Facebook with the hashtag #Julius, as well as at community events hosted by local neighbourhood policing teams to help residents becoming burglary victims.

Last year’s operation in February saw a total of more than 350 people arrested, almost £30,000 of stolen property recovered and 183 search warrants carried out.

Officers searched over 2,800 suspects, seized 89 vehicles and visited more than 346 second hand shops.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Bates, said: “We have seen a slight increase in burglary over the past couple of months throughout the county which is why it is so important that we are running this campaign, letting burglars know that their crimes will not be tolerated and we know who they are.”

Crime prevention advice is available by visiting www.lancashire.police.uk.

Anyone with information or concerns about burglary can contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.