Burglar's To-Do List
Jason Fleming and PC Andy Pickering with a giant copy of the to-do list.
A thief’s actual to-do list is being used by Greater Manchester Police in the latest tactic to raise awareness about burglary.
The list, which was found in the Greater Manchester area following a burglary, details keys to cars which have been left on view, bikes left insecure and accessible to everyone as well as homes where items have been left on view,
The thief also writes the tools needed to carry out each job including hammers, screwdrivers and even a coat hanger.
Yesterday (14/12/11), to raise awareness of the threat of burglary at this time of year, former prolific burglar Jason Fleming accompanied Police Constable Andy Pickering on a patrol around the Failsworth area. Jason identified various circumstances similar to those appearing on the list, and explained how an experienced burglar would take advantage of such situations to commit.
Although not the author of the list, Jason said: "Seeing this list might help people to almost put themselves in the burglar's shoes and think about the things that the burglar would be looking for.
"It's sometimes what people might think are the unimportant details that can make a difference.
"A burglar has to choose which house to go for and an open window or presents visible under the Christmas tree sometimes help him to decide which house is worth breaking into and which one isn't."
Police Constable Andy Pickering for Greater Manchester Police said: “Thieves steal all year round but get particularly busy during the Christmas and New Year period when homes and cars are filled with presents making the items too good to resist for any would-be thief.
“This to-do list gives an insight on how thieves identify their targets and should serve as a reminder to householders on how to protect themselves from falling victim to crime.
“While most thieves are opportunistic there are some who are more organised and will systematically search out the weaknesses in your neighbourhood for the easiest homes, cars, pedal bikes or other valuables on your property to target and steal.
“Being a victim of theft is hard at any time of the year but is particularly so during this special period in the calendar. You can help yourself by putting into action your own ‘to-do’ list to stop thieves going to work in your community.
“Protect your home and valuables from thieves by following the advice given at www.gmp.police.uk/to-do. By following this simple advice you can stop thieves going to work in your community.”
As part of GMPs fight against theft in the run up to Christmas and New Year they will be providing advice through Twitter on #to-do. It shows what residents should have on their own to-do lists to keep thieves at bay.
You can report suspicious activity on our new non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Only dial 999 where there is a threat to life or a crime in progress.
Burglar's To-Do List
Jason Fleming and PC Andy Pickering with a giant copy of the to-do list.
A thief’s actual to-do list is being used by Greater Manchester Police in the latest tactic to raise awareness about burglary.
The list, which was found in the Greater Manchester area following a burglary, details keys to cars which have been left on view, bikes left insecure and accessible to everyone as well as homes where items have been left on view,
The thief also writes the tools needed to carry out each job including hammers, screwdrivers and even a coat hanger.
Yesterday (14/12/11), to raise awareness of the threat of burglary at this time of year, former prolific burglar Jason Fleming accompanied Police Constable Andy Pickering on a patrol around the Failsworth area. Jason identified various circumstances similar to those appearing on the list, and explained how an experienced burglar would take advantage of such situations to commit.
Although not the author of the list, Jason said: "Seeing this list might help people to almost put themselves in the burglar's shoes and think about the things that the burglar would be looking for.
"It's sometimes what people might think are the unimportant details that can make a difference.
"A burglar has to choose which house to go for and an open window or presents visible under the Christmas tree sometimes help him to decide which house is worth breaking into and which one isn't."
Police Constable Andy Pickering for Greater Manchester Police said: “Thieves steal all year round but get particularly busy during the Christmas and New Year period when homes and cars are filled with presents making the items too good to resist for any would-be thief.
“This to-do list gives an insight on how thieves identify their targets and should serve as a reminder to householders on how to protect themselves from falling victim to crime.
“While most thieves are opportunistic there are some who are more organised and will systematically search out the weaknesses in your neighbourhood for the easiest homes, cars, pedal bikes or other valuables on your property to target and steal.
“Being a victim of theft is hard at any time of the year but is particularly so during this special period in the calendar. You can help yourself by putting into action your own ‘to-do’ list to stop thieves going to work in your community.
“Protect your home and valuables from thieves by following the advice given at www.gmp.police.uk/to-do. By following this simple advice you can stop thieves going to work in your community.”
As part of GMPs fight against theft in the run up to Christmas and New Year they will be providing advice through Twitter on #to-do. It shows what residents should have on their own to-do lists to keep thieves at bay.
You can report suspicious activity on our new non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Only dial 999 where there is a threat to life or a crime in progress.