Burglarly rates trebled in Greenstead in a year (From Gazette)

Burglarly rates trebled in Greenstead in a year

6:00pm Tuesday 4th September 2012 in News

BURGLARY rates in Greenstead have trebled to more than one a day, according to figures just released.

Crime figures for July, released yesterday, revealed the burglary rate within a mile radius of the estate rose from 11 in July 2011 to 36 in July 2012.

Residents expressed their surprise and concern at the steep increase.

But Essex Police said action had already been taken to cut the rate of burglaries on the estate and in Colchester.

Mum-of-three Amanda Ellen, 35, of Hamlet Drive, said: “I am surprised. I suppose with it being the summer, windows and doors are being left open and some people are taking advantage.”

Another Greenstead resident, who asked not to be named, said: “It is ridiculous. They let people out of prison early and rather than making examples of them people are getting away with it.”

Inspector Adrian Dearsley, head of neighbourhood policing in Greenstead, said: “The number of burglaries has tailed off since July and it has improved, but every burglary is a concern.”

Ward member Julie Young said she was not surprised by the increase.

She said: “When there is a recession crime escalates, and with cuts to policing there will be an impact.

“I am disappointed. It is those who can least afford it being burgled – the people who can’t afford to replace things.”