Residents urged to bin burglars

The aim is to remind residents of simple steps that they can take to help protect their homes and belongings throughout the winter months.

The stickers come in four designs, each displaying one of the following crime prevention messages: leave a light on when going out; don't leave windows unlocked; always check the identity of strangers who knock at your door; and help bin a burglar by reporting any information about those responsible to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Owen, who sits on Manchester's Burglary Theme Group said: “As part of Operation Magpie, the force's burglary reduction initiative, we are committed to reducing this type of crime. This innovative campaign will hopefully bring home key anti-burglary messages to residents across the city and help keep their homes and valuables safe.”

Councillor Paul Murphy, executive member for direct services commented: Driving down burglary across Manchester is something that we are all committed to achieving. Accordingly, having the opportunity to spread our anti-burglary message to 160,000 homes across Manchester in such an unusual way, is testament to the ingenuity and determination of the city council and its partners to make Manchester safer. “These unique stickers will hopefully remind Manchester residents that
by taking a few simple steps, they keep their homes safe and help keep the
burglars in the cold.”

Isup Nadat from GMW added: “We are delighted to be involved in this scheme and help make Manchester a safer place. By the end of January, every bin throughout Manchester will carry one of these messages. It is a great way to promote a positive campaign – who would have thought that the lowly wheeled bin would become a way of keeping down crime!”