It’s crunch time again as burglaries rise

Warwickshire Police have made 19 arrests for burglary around the county in the past five weeks - including seven linked with crimes in Leamington, Warwick and Southam - since reviving Operation Crunch - a scheme launched in 2010 to target repeat offenders.

Pc Andy Whiston, who leads south Leamington Safer Neighbourhoods Team, told the area’s community forum on Monday the scheme has stemmed a rise in burglary of 50 per cent in Willes ward compared to last May, with three “key offenders” arrested.

He said vehicle crime had risen by 15 per cent in Willes ward and 13 per cent in neighbouring Brunswick ward, where there was no increase in burglary.

Crime rose by 13 per cent across both areas, but anti-social behaviour fell by 7.2 per cent. Last year there was an average of 5.5 burglaries a day in Warwickshire but this had risen to seven a day.

Chief Supt Mak Chishty said: “The chances of a Warwickshire home being burgled are, statistically, very low but seven burglaries a day is seven too many. We have revived Operation Crunch to halt this trend before it has chance to escalate, and we are already seeing excellent results.”