Arrests made after surge in house break-in levels

Figures show the period between September 1 to December 1 saw police report 154 instances of burglary and robbery, compared with 86 for the same period in 2012.

The figures for Lytham, St Annes and Kirkham, showed burglaries had more than doubled from 28 to 69, with burglaries from other dwellings, such as sheds and garages, increasing from 55 to 75.

Personal robberies increased six-fold from one to six, while two cash-in-transit raids were reported compared with none in 2012. Business robberies increased from two to four.

But despite the jump in figures, Fylde police chief Insp Keith Ogle said recent arrests had led to a slowdown in crime.

He added: “In the last three to four weeks, we’ve made five arrests.

“Some of those individuals have been charged while investigations are continuing into other incidents.

“In the past year we have certainly seen a slight increase in crime.

“Much of the increase is down to vehicle theft, robberies and burglaries.

“We feel groups have targeted the area because it has a certain affluence. It has been a really, really tough year.”

Last month, three men were arrested after a burglary in Ribby Road, Wrea Green, following a tip-off of suspicious activity from a resident.

Insp Ogle said people getting in touch with police had been crucial to such arrests.

He added: “Many of the arrests we’ve made have been down to people contacting us, alerting us to something suspicious and allowing us to act.

“Residents have a huge part to play – they are our eyes and ears.

“My message though remains the same – lock your cars, lock your doors. If there is a crime to report, contact 999. If you see suspicious activity call the non-emergency number 101.”

Fylde Council’s cabinet member for social wellbeing, Coun Cheryl Little, said the figures showed people need to be “more aware” of what happens around them.

Follow us on twitter @The_Gazette and like our page on facebook to keep up with all the latest news.