AN ‘UNUSUAL increase’ in burglaries in Upton has seen police step up their attempts to combat the crime.
Between August 1 and 9 officers recorded five burglaries or attempted burglaries in the town at Gardens Walk, Hillsfield, Ham View, William Tennant Way and Hill View Gardens.
Police believed most had taken place at empty homes or while people were away on summer holidays, so have relaunched Operation Buzzard.
The scheme sees officers carry out a series of patrols to provide home security advice.
Sgt Ian Blanchard, of Malvern Police, said: “In response to these offences, Malvern Cops have relaunched our Operation Buzzard in conjunction with the Malvern Hills Community Safety Partnership.
“We are conducting high visibility and plain clothes patrols in the area in an attempt to catch or deter these offenders.
“As well as patrols, my Safer Neighbourhood Team are conducting daily reassurance visits at key locations, visiting as many properties as possible to offer home security advice.”
Advice has been issued for residents going on holiday and includes locking all doors and garages, not leaving valuables on display, making sure your house looks occupied and asking a neighbour to park a car in the drive.
All tips can be found at www.westmercia.police.uk.
PC Dave Wise added: “Malvern has a very low crime rate overall.
“Five burglaries in one area in a short space of time is an unusual increase but we have not had one in Upton since August 9, which coincidentally is around the time we relaunched Operation Buzzard.”
Upton residents can request a free home security assessment by emailing [email protected].
