Force’s figures show 900 fewer victims of burglary in the last 12 months.

There have been almost 900 fewer victims of burglary in Cleveland in the last twelve months, according to the latest Cleveland Police figures.

In the 12 months up to December 2024, residential burglaries have remained low across the Force area with over a 22% drop in reports, however Cleveland Police is not complacent and strives to bring down the number of offences even further.

In Middlesbrough, reports of burglary are at their lowest levels in the last five years, with a 6% drop each year; Redcar and Cleveland has seen a 12-month reduction of 26%; Stockton has seen 462 fewer burglaries in the last 12 months and Hartlepool has seen a 15% reduction.

Force lead on burglary, Chief Inspector Jon Hagen, said: “Residential burglary can have a devastating impact on victims; it is intrusive, traumatic and can have a lasting impact.

“We know that it’s good news that far fewer people have been victims of burglary in Cleveland over the last 12 months, and the proactive work we have seen from officers will continue. Detectives have been committed and determined in identifying offenders and ensuring that those responsible are put before the courts to answer for their crimes.

“We are not complacent and we will continue to bring offenders to justice in order to help keep our communities safe.”

Just last week (on Wednesday 11^th December), a 46-year-old man received a 27-month sentence at Teesside Crown Court after he was charged with a residential burglary in the Guisborough area.

In the run up to the Christmas, detectives are also reminding people of some simple crime prevention tips which could assist with deterring burglars from targeting your home.

• Don’t leave presents on display under the Christmas tree in view of the window. And, if you’re going away, don’t advertise this on social media!
• Lock all doors and windows – both when you’re home or if you go out.
• Don’t put keys under the doormat or in a flowerpot, thieves know all of these hiding places.
• Don’t leave windows open a few inches for the cat to get in or out, burglars find this useful too.
• Keep your shed and garage locked. Your tools are useful to a thief who wants to gain entry. If your garage has a communicating door with the inside of the house, secure it just like another exterior door.
• Don’t leave ladders lying around. If you must leave them outside, padlock them to something secure.
• Close the curtains and leave a light on in a room when you are out. Buy a timer switch as a stocking filler for a loved one.
• Lighten dark areas around your home using low energy dusk ‘til dawn lighting. Remember – burglars hate light and are much more likely to target an unlit property.
• Make sure that your house and contents are adequately insured.
• Mark your valuables! Use one of the widely available kits or look out for property marking events on your local police page on Facebook, where you can take your items along to be marked.
• Leave a radio on, playing a talk programme rather than music. You can also consider a ‘simulated TV’ to give the appearance from outside that a TV is on.
• Keep an eye out for the vulnerable and older people at Christmas.