Following a recent spate of burglaries, Isle of Man Crimestoppers is urging anyone with information about the perpetrators of these incidents to call its confidential hotline 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers provides a way for all members of the community to pass on information about crime anonymously, either via the hotline or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Since Friday January 9th there have been 21 burglaries and attempted burglaries including break-ins at homes in Douglas, Onchan, and the south and west of the Island. Detectives investigating the crimes say that are similarities between all of the burglaries in regard to the methods of entry used.

Phil O’Shea, Acting Chair of Isle of Man Crimestoppers, commented: “This spate of burglaries has caused great concern in communities across the Island, so it’s vitally important that anyone who has information, but for whatever reason does not wish to speak to the police, should provide relevant information anonymously to Crimestoppers. All calls made from the Island to the 0800 555 111 hotline are handled by the UK Crimestoppers Call Centre, so Isle of Man callers can be assured of their complete anonymity. Crimestoppers will never ask callers for any personal details and therefore they will never by identifiable nor be required to give formal evidence.”

Crimestoppers are also reminding home and business owners to pay even more attention to making sure that their properties are secure. Here are some useful tips:

• Make sure all points of entry have locks.
• When you leave the property, no matter for how long, make sure that these entry points are all locked and that keys are removed from locks on the inside of doors or windows. Also make sure you lock up before going to bed at night.
• Don’t leave keys in doors/windows or hanging within easy reach of the front door.
• Putting up a fence or installing a burglar alarm or security lights can help to deter burglars, and also reduce your insurance payments.
• When leaving the property to go on holiday, use timers on lights and radios to create an impression that someone is still at home, or ask neighbours to make occasional visits or park in your driveway.
• Fit a ‘spy hole’ in your front door so you can see who is calling and fit a door chain. Don’t let anyone in if you feel unsure about them and always ask for identification – if they don’t have any, don’t let them in.

For more information about crime prevention go to https://crimestoppers-uk.org/keeping-safe/