0:00:02 > 0:00:05In the UK, there's a burglary every 64 seconds.
0:00:19 > 0:00:23But right across Britain, committed police forces are leading
0:00:23 > 0:00:25the battle to stop the thieves in their tracks.
0:00:25 > 0:00:27Police forcing entry!
0:00:28 > 0:00:29Police!
0:00:29 > 0:00:30For the victims of these crimes,
0:00:30 > 0:00:33it can take months or even years to overcome the trauma.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36You feel awkward when somebody's wandered through your house
0:00:36 > 0:00:38and gone through your personal belongings, don't you?
0:00:38 > 0:00:40Somebody must be desperate.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46But in this series, we're fighting back against the burglars,
0:00:46 > 0:00:49helping you to beef up your security.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56Got the floodlights, we've got the camera, we've got the locks.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59- Excellent stuff.- You feel more secure now, which is good.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03- Oh, aye, yes, smashing.- Smashing, smashing, really good job.- Yeah.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07This is Break-In Britain - The Crackdown.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16If you're ever worried about how secure your home is
0:01:16 > 0:01:18while you're away on holiday...
0:01:18 > 0:01:20On today's programme, I'll be showing you
0:01:20 > 0:01:22how you can keep your home safe while you're away.
0:01:22 > 0:01:25But now the shocking story of what happened
0:01:25 > 0:01:27to retired couple Vernon and Ann.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30They'd only been lying on a beach in Tenerife for a few days
0:01:30 > 0:01:33when they discovered they'd been burgled.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36First to the crime scene was the postman.
0:01:55 > 0:01:57With Vernon and Ann still on holiday,
0:01:57 > 0:02:01their daughter Julie was the first family member on the scene.
0:02:01 > 0:02:06That window had been prised somewhere and that panel of that door had,
0:02:06 > 0:02:11and then they'd tried the patio door, to open that, or tried to.
0:02:11 > 0:02:13They obviously couldn't get in the back
0:02:13 > 0:02:15so they've had to go to the side door.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18The panel had been took out the front door
0:02:18 > 0:02:21and there were a big piece of glass there and that was just inside.
0:02:21 > 0:02:2513% of burglars get in by breaking door panels.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28Inside, several items had been stolen,
0:02:28 > 0:02:30many with huge sentimental value.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33It were just sickening, it was just...
0:02:35 > 0:02:38I don't even know how to describe it, it were horrible.
0:02:38 > 0:02:42Julie arranged for a temporary door to be fitted where the burglar
0:02:42 > 0:02:46had got in, then her next task was to break the bad news
0:02:46 > 0:02:49to her mum and dad, a long way from home.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52She said there was nothing to worry about, er...
0:02:53 > 0:02:57..everything was secure, police had been.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00My mum said, "Could you sort it out?" and then she started crying
0:03:00 > 0:03:03and that was it, really, and then she was texting me,
0:03:03 > 0:03:06saying she were going to come home and leave her holiday.
0:03:06 > 0:03:08I said, "Don't," I said, "cos then they've won."
0:03:08 > 0:03:12Our Julie had said, "Mum, when you come home I've got rid of all
0:03:12 > 0:03:16"the fingerprints from the police, they found a footprint."
0:03:16 > 0:03:18She said, "I've mopped all the floors."
0:03:18 > 0:03:20She said, "You won't know anybody's been in."
0:03:20 > 0:03:23But when the couple finally got back to Burnley,
0:03:23 > 0:03:26they discovered there had been a second break-in. What a sickener.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28How do you cope with something like that?
0:03:30 > 0:03:35We come in and she just said, "Mum, we've got some bad news to tell you.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38"You've been burgled again. Everything's gone."
0:03:38 > 0:03:40I just went hysterical.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44So you guys have grafted hard to get your home how you want it.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48Exactly, yeah. And some scumbag comes in and takes it all.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50It's devastating.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55It's heartbreaking to see Ann suffer like this.
0:03:55 > 0:03:56They've both lost so much.
0:03:58 > 0:04:03This was the place where my wife had her gold rings, necklaces,
0:04:03 > 0:04:06everything, in drawers.
0:04:08 > 0:04:09Took everything.
0:04:09 > 0:04:14- So they've properly gone to town on you?- Done the business on me, yeah.
0:04:14 > 0:04:16'Stolen, too, was his collection
0:04:16 > 0:04:21'of about 40 bottles of expensive whisky, worth around £3,000.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24'They must have had one hell of a party.'
0:04:24 > 0:04:27They stood on the chair, cos there was all muddy footprints
0:04:27 > 0:04:30on the actual cushions of the chairs.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34That was to get up to the whiskies.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38- So you had a full rack there of whiskies...- Yeah.
0:04:38 > 0:04:43- ..built up over 30-odd years. - 30-35 years, yeah.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45And they've just guzzled them?
0:04:45 > 0:04:48They've guzzled them, so I'm going to guzzle these,
0:04:48 > 0:04:51because my collection's gone.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53'The couple also lost their computer,
0:04:53 > 0:04:56'complete with irreplaceable photographs from previous holidays,
0:04:56 > 0:05:00'precious memories lost in an instant.
0:05:00 > 0:05:05'The TV, credit cards and personal documents were also missing.'
0:05:05 > 0:05:09They've got our identity, they've got everything what we had,
0:05:09 > 0:05:16they know all about us and I'm frightened they could pass it on.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18It's just knowing somebody's been in.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21It feels dirty, the house feels dirty.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27Putting the burglars behind bars will help, of course,
0:05:27 > 0:05:30and the police think they may have made a breakthrough.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33They've got a suspect and they're trying to track him down.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36It's an address of one of his associates
0:05:36 > 0:05:39and he's been seen here a few weeks back on our intelligence systems.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42It's documented, so it's a long shot, but we've got
0:05:42 > 0:05:44to try every avenue at the minute.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47We were able to tie a suspect to the burglary
0:05:47 > 0:05:50because of some of the work our crime scene investigators had done.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53They'd been able to find a very distinctive footwear pattern
0:05:53 > 0:05:55at both of the burglaries that had happened
0:05:55 > 0:05:58and immediately one suspect sprung to mind.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03Hello! It's the police!
0:06:03 > 0:06:06- POLICE RADIO:- 'You'll have to come round the front. I'm in.'
0:06:06 > 0:06:08All right, mate, no worries, I'm coming round.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13Oh, all right, it's a bit of a death trap.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17I thought you were going to clean this up last time we came here.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19It looks like they may have drawn a blank.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22He's claiming that he's not seen him recently.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24We've searched it best we can, confident he's not there,
0:06:24 > 0:06:26so it's going to be a case of keep trying
0:06:26 > 0:06:28and hope we get a look at another address.
0:06:28 > 0:06:29That search continues
0:06:29 > 0:06:32and we'll be following their investigation closely.
0:06:33 > 0:06:38For Vernon and Ann's sake, an arrest can't come soon enough.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41Every time I see somebody walking past now and they look in,
0:06:41 > 0:06:46I'm thinking, "I bet he's involved, I bet he's got some of our stuff."
0:06:46 > 0:06:48She's gone paranoid.
0:06:48 > 0:06:53'Vernon shows me just how much destruction the burglars created.'
0:06:53 > 0:06:56So the first time they've knocked in your original door.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59The second time they've come straight through
0:06:59 > 0:07:04- the emergency panelling?- Yes. - Brazen.- Aren't they? Yeah.
0:07:04 > 0:07:05Is that the door?
0:07:05 > 0:07:09This is the door panel what came out of the front door.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13- God, they've mangled that, haven't we?- Haven't they just! Yep.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15Look at the state of that.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17They were absolutely determined this was the house
0:07:17 > 0:07:19- that they were going to get into. - Definitely.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22'It's hard to believe the intruders weren't overheard,
0:07:22 > 0:07:24'but the neighbouring houses aren't exactly close
0:07:24 > 0:07:26'and there's a screen of bushes.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30'Clearly their home could be made much more secure.'
0:07:30 > 0:07:33We've got some measures that we can do for you
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- if it's all right with you. - Yeah, that's fine.- Yeah.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38And it will improve your security a lot,
0:07:38 > 0:07:41hopefully make sure it can't happen again.
0:07:41 > 0:07:46- I know, that's...- That's brilliant, that.- Would that help?- Yeah.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48Oh, that would definitely help.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52'I want to put their minds at rest as soon as possible,
0:07:52 > 0:07:56'so I'm calling crime reduction expert Jason.'
0:07:56 > 0:07:59Hi, mate, they're going to need a hell of a lot doing, I think.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03I'm a bit worried about this one cos they're pretty shook up about it.
0:08:03 > 0:08:08That's great. All right, I'll send you the address now. Cheers, mate.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11'A few hours later, it's soon clear to Jason's expert eye
0:08:11 > 0:08:14'that there's much room for improvement.'
0:08:14 > 0:08:17Obviously, house alarm is a good deterrent.
0:08:17 > 0:08:18If it goes off for no apparent reason,
0:08:18 > 0:08:21if you've got good neighbours or in your Neighbourhood Watch,
0:08:21 > 0:08:24somebody could come round and have a quick look at the property as well.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28Also, as well, things like timer switches that turn lights on and off
0:08:28 > 0:08:31to make it look like anybody's in the house.
0:08:31 > 0:08:36I mean, this door, believe it or not, was once a modern UPVC door.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38I mean, is that good enough?
0:08:38 > 0:08:41I mean, unfortunately, all UPVC doors are flawed...
0:08:41 > 0:08:45the flaw in them is the actual panel itself,
0:08:45 > 0:08:47because effectively, they're made up of two parts.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50You've got a doorframe and then the panel that sits in the doorframe.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53The beads on them can be classed as a weak point,
0:08:53 > 0:08:56so what you can do is just run silicone round the beads
0:08:56 > 0:08:59- once they've been taken out and then refit them.- Yeah.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03But I would go for either a composite door or a wood door.
0:09:03 > 0:09:04- An old-fashioned wood door?- Yeah.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08That would be a surprise to a lot of people who've got UPVC doors,
0:09:08 > 0:09:10that they may be not good enough.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13No, I mean, a lot of the more modern UPVC doors,
0:09:13 > 0:09:18we are not coming across this as much as what we used to.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20It seems to be more of the older type of doors which,
0:09:20 > 0:09:24unfortunately, this one does look like it's been fitted quite a while.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28'Most of us are just a bit lax when it takes to taking common-sense
0:09:28 > 0:09:32'security precautions, and Vernon and Ann have been no different.'
0:09:32 > 0:09:34One of the things I have noticed is
0:09:34 > 0:09:37- leaving keys in the handles of the windows.- Right.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40It may seem like a small thing to some people -
0:09:40 > 0:09:43a burglar, perfect invitation to smash glass,
0:09:43 > 0:09:46reach in and unlock window and climb through an open window
0:09:46 > 0:09:49- rather than coming through broken glass.- Yeah.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52What I would usually recommend is to take the keys
0:09:52 > 0:09:54out of the handles, leave them locked up
0:09:54 > 0:09:57when you're going out and put one of them on your house keys so you know
0:09:57 > 0:10:00where it is all the time, in case you do need to open the windows.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03So you've had a good look around - what would your assessment be,
0:10:03 > 0:10:05out of 10, of the security here?
0:10:05 > 0:10:07Overall assessment, to be honest with you,
0:10:07 > 0:10:10I would put it five or six.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13- So not the worst? - It's not the worst, no.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17With improvements, you could be pushing eight, nine.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20OK, sounds like you've got a fair bit to do, then.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24- Yes, unfortunately.- Right, well, I'm sure you're up to the job.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28- I will be. Thank you very much. - See you, Jase.- See you later.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32'Jason gets straight to work and I just hope Vernon and Ann
0:10:32 > 0:10:35'will feel a lot safer when he's finished.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40'There's also good news from the police as they hunt for the suspect.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43'They've been playing a cat and mouse game trying to track him down,
0:10:43 > 0:10:47'and have just had a tip-off on his whereabouts.'
0:10:47 > 0:10:51This chap has given us some good info -
0:10:51 > 0:10:54apparently, it's an associate of our suspect
0:10:54 > 0:10:57and he's been seen there quite often recently.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01It's an address that we haven't previously checked for him, so...
0:11:03 > 0:11:04..we might just get lucky.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15Hi, are you all right? I'm just from the police. I'm looking for someone.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19Is this our man here? Can I come in? It's all right.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21It looks like they've got their man.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23- I'm looking for you.- Oh, yeah?- Yeah.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25Well, I'm arresting you now on suspicion
0:11:25 > 0:11:28of two burglaries, all right? So you do not have to say anything,
0:11:28 > 0:11:31but it may harm your defence if you do not mention, when questioned,
0:11:31 > 0:11:33something which you later rely on in court.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36Anything you do say may be given in evidence. Listen,
0:11:36 > 0:11:37you're not going to kick off, yeah?
0:11:37 > 0:11:40We'll make it simple, come quietly, it's easy, innit?
0:11:40 > 0:11:43I'll let you smoke your fag and then I'm going to put the cuffs on you.
0:11:43 > 0:11:44This is brilliant detective work,
0:11:44 > 0:11:48and the next stage is to do a thorough search of the house.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51'The person we spoke to on the street came up trumps, really.'
0:11:51 > 0:11:54Graham, just search the pockets for us a minute.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57'We knocked on at this address, it is an associate's address'
0:11:57 > 0:11:59and we've arrested him for the two offences,
0:11:59 > 0:12:02so he's not best pleased about it, but, yeah,
0:12:02 > 0:12:05it's good work, that, really, this morning, really pleased with that.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07A cracking result!
0:12:07 > 0:12:10We've got an arrest and the police recover some of the things
0:12:10 > 0:12:12that were stolen from Vernon and Ann's house.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15It's all the better if you can find some of the stolen property
0:12:15 > 0:12:17that's been taken and get that returned to the victim.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20There's something very satisfying from a personal perspective.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24But there's still a long way to go, and more evidence to be gathered.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27I'm going to authorise a detention notice to secure and preserve
0:12:27 > 0:12:30evidence and obtain evidence by questioning. Do you understand?
0:12:30 > 0:12:31That means you'll be interviewed.
0:12:31 > 0:12:36Two more arrests soon follow - one for acquiring criminal property
0:12:36 > 0:12:39and the other for handling stolen goods.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42Yes, it was a real team effort. Being able to arrest three people
0:12:42 > 0:12:44and get them charged with offences
0:12:44 > 0:12:47within a few days of the burglary happening, yeah, certainly helps.
0:12:51 > 0:12:5345% of burglaries happen
0:12:53 > 0:12:56when the owner is away from the house or on holiday.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58Jacqui's been looking into things you can do
0:12:58 > 0:13:00so you don't become a victim like Vernon and Ann.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04Well, I don't know about you, but the idea of getting away
0:13:04 > 0:13:08for some sunshine is what gets me through the winter months.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12But the joy of getting away can be short-lived.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16'With your home standing empty when you're on holiday,
0:13:16 > 0:13:20'it's a burglar's dream, so crime reduction officer Richard Thornton
0:13:20 > 0:13:23'is showing me what can be done to thwart them.'
0:13:23 > 0:13:27OK, Richard, what about this house, what would a burglar make of this?
0:13:27 > 0:13:30First of all, you've got glass to the side of the front door.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33Obviously, if any post goes through the letter box, the chances are
0:13:33 > 0:13:36you're going to see it behind the door.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39A build-up of post generally means somebody's actually away.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41And newspapers, magazines, as well.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44Absolutely, anything sticking out of the door for any length of time
0:13:44 > 0:13:47is a great indicator that somebody's likely not to be
0:13:47 > 0:13:50- actually in the house. - What else would a burglar look for?
0:13:50 > 0:13:52Any milk bottles, perhaps,
0:13:52 > 0:13:56anything like that that may be there again for a few days.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59'So trying to fool any would-be burglar into suspecting
0:13:59 > 0:14:03'there may be someone in is the key to keeping them out.'
0:14:04 > 0:14:08OK, lovely light room, but I suspect all these windows
0:14:08 > 0:14:13- with the blinds not drawn is very easy for a burglar.- It is, yes.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16Obviously, you've got the blinds in place.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18It's a good idea to use them, really.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21You are going to actually hide whatever is in the room,
0:14:21 > 0:14:24so you are sort of taking away the temptation,
0:14:24 > 0:14:26shall we say, for an offender.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28Lighting is a big thing as well, isn't it?
0:14:28 > 0:14:32Lighting is very important, certainly for any length of time
0:14:32 > 0:14:35that you may not be in your property, even overnight.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39If you can have different lights coming on in different rooms,
0:14:39 > 0:14:41upstairs in particular as well.
0:14:41 > 0:14:48People tend to put a lot of the security timer switches downstairs.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50Offenders are telling us that if they see lights
0:14:50 > 0:14:54coming on and off upstairs, that gives them a little bit more doubt
0:14:54 > 0:14:56whether somebody is actually in the property or not.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02So, Richard, when you are actually planning to go away,
0:15:02 > 0:15:05what are the other things that you can include
0:15:05 > 0:15:06as part of that planning process?
0:15:06 > 0:15:09Be careful about how much information you give
0:15:09 > 0:15:13to people on the way to the airport, for example taxi drivers.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16You don't have to tell them the truth, you don't have to say
0:15:16 > 0:15:18- that you are on holiday for two weeks.- It is a bit obvious
0:15:18 > 0:15:21when you've got all your bags in the back of the cab, isn't it?
0:15:21 > 0:15:24It can be, but what you could do is employ a bit of kidology.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27You could say maybe another family member is staying behind
0:15:27 > 0:15:29or you've got a friend staying in house.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33And I suppose, really, in this day of social media as well,
0:15:33 > 0:15:35we are putting these things on Facebook.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38People like to upload photographs while they're away.
0:15:38 > 0:15:43If you've got an open, for example, Facebook account,
0:15:43 > 0:15:46if your security settings are not set to friends only,
0:15:46 > 0:15:49then you could potentially be at risk.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52Anybody can view those and they'll know straightaway.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54If you are going to upload anything from holiday,
0:15:54 > 0:15:56do it when you get back.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58Peace of mind on our holidays begins with
0:15:58 > 0:16:02a few common-sense precautions taken before leaving home.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04So here are a few pointers to make sure
0:16:04 > 0:16:06that you don't come home to a break-in.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11It may seem obvious, but you mustn't leave the keys
0:16:11 > 0:16:14anywhere near the door or actually in the lock.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19Accumulating mail is a really good indication that somebody is away.
0:16:19 > 0:16:20Why not get a neighbour
0:16:20 > 0:16:22to come and collect it for you every couple of days?
0:16:22 > 0:16:25Or, for a small fee, the Post Office
0:16:25 > 0:16:27will hold it for you until you get back.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31And finally, cutting your lawn may not be high on your priority list
0:16:31 > 0:16:34when you're planning to go on holiday, but long grass
0:16:34 > 0:16:37is a really good indication to any burglar that you are away.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47Earlier, we heard about retired couple Vernon and Ann from Burnley
0:16:47 > 0:16:49who had their home burgled twice while they were away.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53It has left them feeling very angry indeed.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55ANN: 'I'm so worked up.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57'I just feel I have to do something.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59- 'To retaliate.- To retaliate.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03'I just want to get rid of this... I'm so worked up!'
0:17:04 > 0:17:07'Half of all burglary victims say it makes them feel angry
0:17:07 > 0:17:09'and nearly a third end up
0:17:09 > 0:17:13'feeling vulnerable in their own homes afterwards.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15'I want to make Vernon and Ann feel safe.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19'So I'm asking crime-reduction expert Jason
0:17:19 > 0:17:21'to overhaul their security.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26'Fitting an alarm system complete with sensors,
0:17:26 > 0:17:30'sash jammers to add an extra level of security to their windows,
0:17:30 > 0:17:33'plus some hi-tech motion detectors.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36'These passive infrared sensors known as PIRs
0:17:36 > 0:17:40'will be used to trigger interior and exterior lights.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44'Next, a new front door.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47'Now, that should put up much stiffer resistance
0:17:47 > 0:17:48'to anyone thinking of breaking in.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54'Repairs to the back door too. And not before time,
0:17:54 > 0:17:57'because Vernon and Ann are still struggling to cope.'
0:17:57 > 0:18:00I had to go to the doctor because I couldn't sleep.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03I was sleeping with the light on, I was frightened.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07It hasn't been a pleasant time in our lives, to be honest.
0:18:08 > 0:18:12In fact, I wouldn't like it to happen to anybody.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15But if there is one good thing to come from all this,
0:18:15 > 0:18:18it's the realisation they've got some top-notch neighbours.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21The first burglary was discovered by a postman,
0:18:21 > 0:18:25the second by their neighbour Phil who made the 999 call.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40You always think, "It's never going to happen to me,"
0:18:40 > 0:18:41but having seen Ann and Vernon
0:18:41 > 0:18:44and the effect it's had on them, they are in bits.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46We try to look out for each other.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49It's a good neighbourhood round here,
0:18:49 > 0:18:53but there has been a spate of burglaries, you know, so...
0:18:53 > 0:18:56So it's time for us to look at our own security, I think.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00Hopefully that crimewave will have come to a swift halt
0:19:00 > 0:19:02thanks to the arrest of a suspect.
0:19:04 > 0:19:08Only about 13% of burglaries end up with the culprit getting caught,
0:19:08 > 0:19:10so this is a great result,
0:19:10 > 0:19:14but the best news is footprints discovered at the crime scene
0:19:14 > 0:19:18could go a long way towards putting the villains behind bars.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20Although nowhere near as unique as a fingerprint,
0:19:20 > 0:19:23the mark of a shoe is useful forensic evidence
0:19:23 > 0:19:27and in Lancashire they even have a dedicated footwear unit.
0:19:27 > 0:19:28We find it very useful
0:19:28 > 0:19:31in terms of providing early evidence for police officers
0:19:31 > 0:19:34to be able to charge suspects when they are arrested
0:19:34 > 0:19:37and also providing intelligence for them to link scenes together
0:19:37 > 0:19:39and link scenes to suspects.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43This is an example of a mark recovered from the scene
0:19:43 > 0:19:46and this is an example of a test impression or a test mark
0:19:46 > 0:19:48taken from the sole of a shoe.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50Initially, we look at the pattern.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52If the pattern corresponds, we then consider the size
0:19:52 > 0:19:56and configurations of the shoes to the scene mark.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59We then consider the degree and distribution of any wear to the sole
0:19:59 > 0:20:04and we then consider if there is any fine detail in the mark,
0:20:04 > 0:20:07which corresponds to any damage on the soles of the shoes.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09Looks like in Vernon and Ann's case,
0:20:09 > 0:20:11the burglars have really put their foot in it!
0:20:11 > 0:20:13Two crimes had occurred at the same address.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15There were two scenes, one from before Christmas
0:20:15 > 0:20:18and one from after, and the person was arrested
0:20:18 > 0:20:20and two pairs of footwear were recovered from him.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24We compared one to the first scene and one to the second scene.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27In my opinion, I consider that these shoes
0:20:27 > 0:20:29had made the marks recovered from the scene,
0:20:29 > 0:20:31in that it is a conclusive association
0:20:31 > 0:20:35and that is, in terms of footwear, the best evidence you will ever get.
0:20:36 > 0:20:37Top work!
0:20:37 > 0:20:39But the best way to crack crime
0:20:39 > 0:20:41is to prevent it happening in the first place.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45Jacqui has been looking at some hi-tech solutions
0:20:45 > 0:20:46to keep burglars at bay.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49While we are away on holiday,
0:20:49 > 0:20:51our homes can feel especially vulnerable,
0:20:51 > 0:20:55but there are loads of gadgets on the market that can help,
0:20:55 > 0:20:58'so I'm asking security expert Neil Goldup
0:20:58 > 0:20:59'to show me some of the latest products.'
0:20:59 > 0:21:02So, Neil, that's pretty obvious and stands out.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04Tell me about that gadget.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06Yeah, it was developed as a holiday lock, actually.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09What it does, it actually clamps down the handles,
0:21:09 > 0:21:11so if anybody tries to force the door from the outside,
0:21:11 > 0:21:14it still won't open because all the handles are clamped.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17It's a very simple device to operate, there's no keys involved.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21All you do is release the buttons and it opens up and releases the handles.
0:21:21 > 0:21:26To put it back on, all you do is insert the handles into the holes,
0:21:26 > 0:21:29close it and make sure it's nice and tight, and that's it.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32Now, you've also fitted some really interesting sensors,
0:21:32 > 0:21:36- which work the lights in here from outside.- We have, yes.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38It's a PIR that goes anywhere outside the house
0:21:38 > 0:21:41and it works wirelessly and if anybody walks past it,
0:21:41 > 0:21:43trips the PIR. What it will then do
0:21:43 > 0:21:46is activate a plug socket inside the house,
0:21:46 > 0:21:49so anything that is plugged into that socket will come on,
0:21:49 > 0:21:51and if people are out or in bed, it makes it feel like
0:21:51 > 0:21:55someone is active inside the house and makes it feel like it's occupied.
0:21:55 > 0:21:56Perfect.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58- Really good, isn't it?- It is.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01A really cheap and effective way to secure your property.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05And immediately, whoever is out there is going to be illuminated
0:22:05 > 0:22:09or at least be concerned that somebody is in this room.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12We've talked about a lot of gadgets which are quite simple
0:22:12 > 0:22:13and relatively cheap.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16Now you've got something a bit more complicated for us.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20Yes, it's a wireless alarm system that's really easy to fit,
0:22:20 > 0:22:22but what is quite good about this one
0:22:22 > 0:22:24is that I can control it all with my phone.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27I just go into the app that you download, which is free of charge.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31I can actually arm and disarm my alarm system from my phone
0:22:31 > 0:22:34and it's actually got CCTV built into that as well,
0:22:34 > 0:22:38so if anybody does... Well, if a burglar does enter my house,
0:22:38 > 0:22:40it will text me and it will e-mail me
0:22:40 > 0:22:43to say that my alarm has been tripped and it will send the images.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47So the reason for it to be disarmed, for instance,
0:22:47 > 0:22:49if somebody was going to your house with your permission
0:22:49 > 0:22:51and you wouldn't have to follow them back
0:22:51 > 0:22:53to disarm the alarm then, would you?
0:22:53 > 0:22:57No, that's it, you can do it on your sunbed with a cocktail in your hand!
0:22:57 > 0:23:00'But there are other more affordable ways to beat the burglars.'
0:23:00 > 0:23:03So, Neil, what other tricks have you got up your sleeve for out here?
0:23:03 > 0:23:07We've actually fitted a dummy CCTV camera in there.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09It's got a light that flashes on and off,
0:23:09 > 0:23:12so it makes it look like it's an actual real CCTV.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16- How cheap is that? - Well, the one that we fit is £15.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19If you wanted a full CCTV system,
0:23:19 > 0:23:22you would be talking around £500 for a system fitted.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26- So at least it's a deterrent.- Yeah, it's a cheap and effective deterrent.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28Brilliant.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31So, opening and closing curtains is always an issue, isn't it?
0:23:31 > 0:23:32What have you done to these blinds?
0:23:32 > 0:23:37Well, with these blinds, we fitted an automatic blind or curtain closer.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40It's controlled by a sensor, so when it starts to get dark,
0:23:40 > 0:23:43the motor will kick in and automatically close these blinds.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45If I just put my hand over the sensor now,
0:23:45 > 0:23:48it will kick in and actually close the curtains.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50There we go.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53'But the biggest discouragement to any burglar
0:23:53 > 0:23:58'is thinking there are people awake in the house, hence this fake TV.'
0:23:58 > 0:24:01And it makes it look that the TV is actually on when it's not on,
0:24:01 > 0:24:04so from outside will make it look like the TV is on.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07Which, again, looks like somebody is in, doesn't it?
0:24:07 > 0:24:09Yeah, once it gets dark in this room, that will trigger
0:24:09 > 0:24:12and it will make it look like there is a television on.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14Well, let's switch it on and see what happens.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17So, when it is pitch black and somebody is perhaps
0:24:17 > 0:24:19just walking past the window, all they are going to see
0:24:19 > 0:24:21- is that flickering light.- Yeah.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26So we are all safely locked up now,
0:24:26 > 0:24:29with all our gadgets working to protect the house.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31And if you have just a couple of these ideas,
0:24:31 > 0:24:35it will give you the peace of mind to enjoy that holiday,
0:24:35 > 0:24:38knowing that when you come home, all is safe and secure
0:24:38 > 0:24:40and that burglar has just walked on past.
0:24:44 > 0:24:48Retired couple Vernon and Ann from Burnley were unlucky enough
0:24:48 > 0:24:51to have their home broken into twice while they were on holiday.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54They will take quite a while to get over it.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57When you know somebody has been in and touched everything,
0:24:57 > 0:24:59what we've worked hard for...
0:25:01 > 0:25:04It takes some time. Yeah.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07It's a few weeks since I first met Vernon and Ann and, at the time,
0:25:07 > 0:25:11they had just been burgled and they were pretty shook up,
0:25:11 > 0:25:14but since then, we've put in a lot of security improvements,
0:25:14 > 0:25:17so I want to find out how much of a difference that has made.
0:25:17 > 0:25:21- Vernon, Ann, how's it going? Are you all right?- Hiya, good morning.
0:25:21 > 0:25:22Yeah, good.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25This is the path the burglar took into the house,
0:25:25 > 0:25:29- but I've noticed there's a few changes now, isn't there?- Yes.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32- There is.- What have we got, then? We've got the sensor there.
0:25:32 > 0:25:36The PIR there. We've got a CCTV pick-up there.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40So, every time now that anyone walks up this path,
0:25:40 > 0:25:42- it lights up like a Christmas tree. - Yes.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45There'll be lights come on in the house
0:25:45 > 0:25:46when the burglar comes up the path.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49So even if he's feeling brave,
0:25:49 > 0:25:51he will walk up a little bit further here
0:25:51 > 0:25:54and he will see that there is a CCTV box there.
0:25:54 > 0:25:55Yeah, yeah.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58And these things are just putting doubts in their mind
0:25:58 > 0:26:00and they'll get scared off...
0:26:00 > 0:26:03- Yeah.- ..before they even make an attempt.- Yeah.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06The front door, that's where they got in last time.
0:26:06 > 0:26:10The old front door, I've seen sturdier egg boxes, really.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12Yeah.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15That, I know, is not that type of door.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18- That is rock solid now, isn't it?- Yeah. Yeah.
0:26:18 > 0:26:22- Yeah, it's reinforced. - Yeah, it's a lot better door.
0:26:22 > 0:26:27It feels solid as well, when you... hit them. When you lock it,
0:26:27 > 0:26:31the locking system is 50 times better than the old one.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34- How do you feel about that now? - Happy.- Yeah.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36I feel a lot more secure now.
0:26:36 > 0:26:41It's brilliant to see Vernon and Ann so positive about what we've done.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44I don't think we've a weak point now, to be honest with you.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47- That's brilliant.- I think it is rock solid.- Oh, fantastic.
0:26:47 > 0:26:48- Everything.- Yeah.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51- And you've got your new alarm. - Yes, the alarm.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54If he can get past security on the outside,
0:26:54 > 0:26:57if they are stupid enough to go inside,
0:26:57 > 0:26:59the alarm is going to go off.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02- Is it easy to use? - Yeah, dead simple. Really simple.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04It's just a key fob.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07You press that to arm it
0:27:07 > 0:27:09and you press the bottom one to disarm it.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12That has put people off before, in the past,
0:27:12 > 0:27:15- the faffing with the alarm. - Oh, yeah, yeah.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17- Remembering the number.- Yes.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20Yes, keying the number in when you go into the house.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23You've got maybe 20 seconds to key the number in
0:27:23 > 0:27:27when you are going out, so you are rushing, but this is so simple.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30Yeah. We are really, really suited with it.
0:27:30 > 0:27:34Especially when you're getting older and you can't remember the numbers,
0:27:34 > 0:27:37you know, I will be able to use that now.
0:27:37 > 0:27:39- Terrific.- Maybe! - THEY LAUGH
0:27:39 > 0:27:42'It's great to see them smiling again,
0:27:42 > 0:27:45'but I'm still concerned about Ann.'
0:27:45 > 0:27:48How's the security features making you feel now?
0:27:48 > 0:27:53I feel a lot better with all the security, but I'll still be...
0:27:53 > 0:27:57When we go away on holiday, I'll still be worrying about it.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59I think I will do for a while.
0:27:59 > 0:28:03When I first met Vernon and Ann it really brought home to me
0:28:03 > 0:28:06just how much it takes to get over a burglary.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09I mean, they were talking about moving and everything,
0:28:09 > 0:28:13but I think now that we've got the security improvements in place,
0:28:13 > 0:28:16they are well on the road to getting over it.