0:00:02 > 0:00:05Every minute of every day, someone, somewhere, is getting burgled.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10Doesn't sound good.
0:00:10 > 0:00:14With an average of 92 break-ins an hour, it's a huge problem.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21It never ceases to amaze me
0:00:21 > 0:00:24how much mess these burglars cause for people.
0:00:24 > 0:00:26For the victims of these crimes,
0:00:26 > 0:00:30it can take months or even years to overcome the trauma.
0:00:30 > 0:00:34Well, he was in my house and he shouldn't have been.
0:00:34 > 0:00:36- It's emotional, isn't it? - It is emotional, yeah.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39I'm having a lot of palpitations today.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41It's just, it's heartbreaking.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44But, in this series, we're fighting back against the burglar...
0:00:44 > 0:00:46- Police forcing entry!- Police!
0:00:46 > 0:00:49..helping you to beef up your security...
0:00:49 > 0:00:51Here we go.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53..while the police catch the criminals.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59We can be safe. Thank you.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01This is Break-in Britain:
0:01:01 > 0:01:02The Crackdown.
0:01:05 > 0:01:09Today, a ransacked house, a heartbroken couple
0:01:09 > 0:01:13and a police force determined to catch the crooks.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16They're away with thousands of pounds worth
0:01:16 > 0:01:19for three minutes' work, two minutes' work
0:01:19 > 0:01:22and that's very, very annoying.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26And I'll be in South Wales to help a pensioner who had two grand
0:01:26 > 0:01:29nicked from under his nose while he was home alone in his flat.
0:01:31 > 0:01:32Yes, I need to...
0:01:33 > 0:01:35..brighten my ideas up, I think,
0:01:35 > 0:01:38and stop having a kip in the afternoon.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43Police control at Elland Road in Leeds
0:01:43 > 0:01:45and a 999 call is coming in.
0:02:10 > 0:02:1440% of burglaries happen at the back of houses
0:02:14 > 0:02:17and that's what happened here in Otley, ten miles from Leeds.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22The victims of the break-in are Norman and Sue.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25He's a retired engineer and she had a career in banking.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28They got married a year ago and felt the security at their house
0:02:28 > 0:02:31was good, but clearly not good enough.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37I was out of the house from the morning
0:02:37 > 0:02:40and, on my way home, Sue phoned me.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42She was obviously terribly upset.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45She'd just discovered the situation in the house.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49And the worst thing was, she was very, very troubled
0:02:49 > 0:02:53about our dog being very, very distressed.
0:02:53 > 0:02:55Izzie was all alone in the house
0:02:55 > 0:02:58when the burglars smashed through the glass and gained entry.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00When I came in, I knew there was something wrong
0:03:00 > 0:03:02because she just wasn't her normal self.
0:03:02 > 0:03:03Panting and barking
0:03:03 > 0:03:06and trying to run out of the door when I opened it.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09That's when I saw all the glass on the floor and the window.
0:03:10 > 0:03:15They took watches, they took a brand-new iMac 27 machine.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18They took the iPods, which have backups on them.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21You know, a lot of our memories are stored there.
0:03:22 > 0:03:27Norman and Sue went out, leaving the house keys in the locked back door.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29It's easily done and many of us do it every day.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33So, this is where we think they've smashed the window and unlocked...?
0:03:33 > 0:03:35Yeah, what they've done with this window here,
0:03:35 > 0:03:38they've put some black electrical tape on the outside of the window.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40Obviously, that's been recovered now.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43That, I assume, is to mask the noise as they're smashing it.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45Then they've reached through and they've managed to open the door
0:03:45 > 0:03:48- with the key and these latches.- You think there might be some fibres,
0:03:48 > 0:03:51- some of their clothing might be on this?- We've got fibres because,
0:03:51 > 0:03:53obviously, the clothing's going to make contact with
0:03:53 > 0:03:56the edges of the glass. Which could be a glove or it could be clothing.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00- So, they've left behind a lot of things that are going to pin them. - They've left a lot.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04There, in all, has been very good, forensically, for us.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07The CSI team have also found a valuable footprint
0:04:07 > 0:04:10on a piece of paper in the couple's office.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13Luckily, they've had to stand on that piece of paper,
0:04:13 > 0:04:16as they've been stealing the computer in the study.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19So, I've put a gel lift on the paper and we can see a clear
0:04:19 > 0:04:22footwear pattern on that gel lift, just from that one piece of paper.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26And you think you're able to match that to the burglar?
0:04:26 > 0:04:28Yeah, it is possible, yeah.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31But it's a neighbour who made the 999 call
0:04:31 > 0:04:35that holds an even more important piece of evidence.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37She and her partner have actually filmed two men
0:04:37 > 0:04:39leaving Sue and Norman's house.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43She'd seen two men acting suspiciously a few days ago
0:04:43 > 0:04:47and, when they returned, she put neighbourhood watch into action.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52She's asked not to be identified.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54Have you got that picture of the numberplate?
0:04:54 > 0:04:56- Is that on there as well?- Yep.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59- Oh, that's a great image, that. - How useful is this?
0:04:59 > 0:05:02Oh, this, you know, this is brilliant evidence, this now.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05We've got two people leaving the scene of the burglary,
0:05:05 > 0:05:09getting into a car. We've got the registration there.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12We've done a check on our Police National Computer
0:05:12 > 0:05:14to see where that car's registered to.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17James' check with the police database very quickly
0:05:17 > 0:05:21establishes the address where the suspicious car is registered
0:05:21 > 0:05:23and that's going to be the next port of call.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29So, a really promising start to the police investigation.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35Back with Norman and Sue, they're taking me upstairs to show me
0:05:35 > 0:05:38the chaos left behind by the burglars.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41When we came back, all these drawers were open, anyway.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43Crikey, they've been through everything, haven't they?
0:05:43 > 0:05:45They've been through everything. That was open.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49- That's where the watches were. - Stripped the duvet cover.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51They've stripped your duvet cover?
0:05:51 > 0:05:55- Yeah, to put stuff in. - The cheeky devils!
0:05:55 > 0:05:58That's so intrusive, isn't it? How galling that they've been
0:05:58 > 0:06:01- through your drawers, your private things.- Yeah, yeah.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06Ten miles away in Bradford, police have now
0:06:06 > 0:06:09arrived at the house where the suspicious car is registered.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11Events are moving very quickly.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15Officers have come here and they've arrested one male already.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17We've got the occupant of this property.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20She's just been arrested for handling stolen goods
0:06:20 > 0:06:23and she's currently en route to Elland Road Police Station.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30Inside the house, it's a matter of moments
0:06:30 > 0:06:33before police discover what they're looking for.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36CID and CSI are currently in the property still,
0:06:36 > 0:06:39and they think they've linked quite a few items that they found
0:06:39 > 0:06:41in this house with the burglary in Otley.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44Two people have been arrested - a man and a woman.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46But, apparently, a third suspect
0:06:46 > 0:06:50escaped from the property, so police are still looking for him.
0:06:50 > 0:06:51And while that hunt continues,
0:06:51 > 0:06:55it looks like the hunt for the stolen items is nearly over.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57Officers have spoken to Norman and Sue on the phone
0:06:57 > 0:07:02and almost everything that they reported missing appears to be here.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05We'll be looking at taking all these items back to the
0:07:05 > 0:07:07address in Otley tonight.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09Get a statement from the complainant
0:07:09 > 0:07:13and looking at interviewing the suspects tonight,
0:07:13 > 0:07:17and then continue with the investigation tomorrow morning.
0:07:17 > 0:07:18We've worked some magic today
0:07:18 > 0:07:21and the witness in Otley has, you know, really helped us out.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25They got the registration number of the car, which was registered here,
0:07:25 > 0:07:29so we've come within about 20 minutes of that car making off
0:07:29 > 0:07:32and found the suspects here with all this stolen property.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34And that quick thinking means that Norman and Sue
0:07:34 > 0:07:37will shortly have their property returned.
0:07:37 > 0:07:38Fantastic news.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41I mean, we were astonished that by the time we made the phone call,
0:07:41 > 0:07:44the police rang back in ten minutes to say,
0:07:44 > 0:07:46"We've found your stuff."
0:07:46 > 0:07:49And it's all because of the vigilance of a neighbour.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53And, uh, we've been to see them and thank them.
0:07:53 > 0:07:57What an amazing result and in such a short timeframe.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00And while the police continue their investigation, it's time for me
0:08:00 > 0:08:04to get back to Norman and Sue's to try and sort out their security.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07So, what we're going to do is get our security guy to come round,
0:08:07 > 0:08:10have a look at what needs fixing up
0:08:10 > 0:08:12and install that for you to make sure that you do have
0:08:12 > 0:08:15peace of mind, both when you're in the property
0:08:15 > 0:08:18and when you've left the property. How does that sound?
0:08:18 > 0:08:20Sounds good to me, yeah.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24Because Norman and Sue have their beloved dog Izzie in the house,
0:08:24 > 0:08:27they've not thought to get an alarm fitted in case she sets it off.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29Let's see if our security team can help.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33Time to catch up with Crime Reduction Officer Richard Thornton.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37- Hello there, Richard.- Hi!
0:08:37 > 0:08:39- You've had chance to have a look round the property.- Yes.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41What do you make of it?
0:08:41 > 0:08:44There's one or two issues, obviously, that I'm not happy with.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47One or two things that are going to make life very easily accessible
0:08:47 > 0:08:51- for the offender, so if we have a quick look around.- Absolutely.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54- Great.- Lead the way.- Thank you.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56First problem is this gate.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58The fact is it's actually unlocked.
0:08:58 > 0:08:59And, of course, the burglars got in
0:08:59 > 0:09:02- round the back as well, didn't they? - That's right.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04- So, this is the route they will have taken.- Absolutely.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08The occupants have clearly got some sort of security in mind
0:09:08 > 0:09:11because they do use the padlock.
0:09:11 > 0:09:12I think mainly when they're away,
0:09:12 > 0:09:15so, obviously, on this occasion, it's been insecure.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19We open the gate and the first thing that meets me is the ladders.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22- One of your bugbears!- A big bugbear.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26Any climbing aids left around in the garden are an absolute no-no.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29- So, these should either be secured or in a shed?- That's right.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31So, as we come through, what have we got here?
0:09:31 > 0:09:34Obviously, the spade's a quite sharp implement.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37Somebody could probably use that and put it straight through the window.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39- It's just a bit of security housekeeping!- Absolutely.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42Yeah. It's removing the means to commit the crime.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44And that is a big thing about how the burglar got in.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46- Let's go and have a look at the back door.- OK.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49They smashed through the window and reached down and got the keys out.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51The offenders can tell.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53They'll look through windows, they'll see the keys
0:09:53 > 0:09:55and they'll just make a very quick decision
0:09:55 > 0:09:57which way they're going to do it.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01You can tell on this particular type with, when we look inside,
0:10:01 > 0:10:04it's the types of bolts that are actually on it.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08They've kind of enabled the offender to gain access,
0:10:08 > 0:10:12purely because the occupants have left the keys in.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15If the keys had have been taken out, they wouldn't have got in.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19So, some commonsense improvements on the outside of the house
0:10:19 > 0:10:23and, inside, the total no-no of leaving keys in the door.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26You were also concerned about the windows, or had some suggestions,
0:10:26 > 0:10:28- at least, for the windows.- Yeah.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30These are quite big, so I'd be looking at possibly putting
0:10:30 > 0:10:34two sash jammers to really secure that window.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38So, out of ten, what would you give this property for security?
0:10:38 > 0:10:40It's been let down by some very easy mistakes.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43I think I'd be looking at a six for this particular property.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47A six? Right, OK. So, plenty of room for improvement.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50We'll get you back, hopefully, later on today,
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- and see if we can impress you, then. - OK, that's great.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56Time to call on security expert Neil Goldup.
0:10:56 > 0:11:00Hopefully, Norman, Sue and Izzie will soon feel a whole lot safer.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07- 'Hello, Neil speaking.' - Hello, Neil. It's Keeley.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10- 'Hiya, Keeley.'- Hello. I wonder if you might be able to help me.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13I'm at the house of a really nice couple who've been broken into
0:11:13 > 0:11:15and I'm sure you'll be able to fix them up.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18- You're not free now, are you? - 'I am, yes.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21'Send me the details and get I'll round to you as soon as possible.'
0:11:21 > 0:11:25- Lovely. Thank you ever so much. I'll see you soon.- 'OK, bye.'- Bye!
0:11:28 > 0:11:31True to his word, Neil is round in a jiffy.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34And as well as addressing Richard's concerns, I've asked him
0:11:34 > 0:11:38to think about an alarm that will work with Izzie in the house.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41I don't think there's that much to do. Come and see what you think.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43- I've heard that before from you, Keeley!- I promise!
0:11:43 > 0:11:45Right, OK, let's have a look, see what's needed.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48So, Neil's cracking on with the security improvements
0:11:48 > 0:11:50at Norman and Sue's house.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54We'll be back later to see how the police investigation's coming on.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59Now, here's Dan in South Wales.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04In 45% of burglaries, the target is cash.
0:12:06 > 0:12:10At Bridgend Police Control, another 999 call is coming in.
0:12:27 > 0:12:3076-year-old Bob is a retired British Gas worker
0:12:30 > 0:12:32from Neath near Swansea.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34He was married for 51 years
0:12:34 > 0:12:37but, three years ago, he separated from his wife.
0:12:37 > 0:12:41Now he lives alone in a complex designed for older people.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44He woke up one morning to find his hard-earned savings,
0:12:44 > 0:12:48kept hidden in his bedroom, had vanished.
0:12:48 > 0:12:53Basically, I got up this morning, went to get my glasses.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55Next to my glasses, I'd normally keep money,
0:12:55 > 0:12:58but the money just wasn't there.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01Uh, £2,000.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03Well, I was upset etc
0:13:03 > 0:13:08and I went in and had a word next door.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11And she called the police for me, then, on her landline.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14Bob, you say you had £2,000 there. Where'd the £2,000 come from?
0:13:14 > 0:13:17Was that your normal money you keep in the house?
0:13:17 > 0:13:21No, I took the money out last month to go searching for carpets.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25I thought I'd have a better bargain if I took cash along with me.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28I don't normally keep that sort of money in the house, like.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32To your knowledge, does anybody know that you had that £2,000 in there?
0:13:32 > 0:13:35No-one knows. I never told anyone.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42So, Bob thinks someone's been in his house and stolen £2,000.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44The police have been doing door-to-door enquiries,
0:13:44 > 0:13:48but they're also looking for basic forensic evidence.
0:13:48 > 0:13:52And it doesn't take the CSI team long to find their first clue.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55When I was fingerprinting the inside of the door,
0:13:55 > 0:13:58there's been a couple of smudges, but there's also been a finger mark
0:13:58 > 0:14:00that's come up as well,
0:14:00 > 0:14:01so I've lifted the finger mark
0:14:01 > 0:14:03and then I've taken a photograph of
0:14:03 > 0:14:05where I put the arrows to locate where it is, then.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10So, the forensics team have found some prints,
0:14:10 > 0:14:12but there's no sign of forced entry.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16We believe that these suspects have entered through the front door.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18They don't appear to have entered in any other room.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20Walked straight in here, taking the cash from here.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23There don't appear to be any other items missing.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25And they've exit as the entry.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29So, the question is, did Bob leave the door open?
0:14:29 > 0:14:33- Do you usually keep your door locked during the day?- As a rule, yes.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35Yes, I keep my door locked.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39Uh, even if I go next-door for a cup of tea or anything,
0:14:39 > 0:14:41I lock the door, so...
0:14:41 > 0:14:44- How about when you're in the house? - No.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48If I'm here, I never lock the door...until the evenings.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50About half past six, seven,
0:14:50 > 0:14:52I lock the door then.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54How are you feeling, then, Bob?
0:14:54 > 0:14:58I...I can't describe how I feel, like, I'll be fair.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00I worked hard saving on that
0:15:00 > 0:15:03- and...I just haven't found a carpet I like...- Yeah.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05..so the money's just been sitting there, like.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08I know it was for carpets and people will say,
0:15:08 > 0:15:10"Well, if you've got £2,000 for carpet..."
0:15:10 > 0:15:13- I saved three years for that.- Mm.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- And it's as far away now as ever it was, like.- Yeah.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20So, that's it.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25Initially, police thought that Bob may have simply misplaced
0:15:25 > 0:15:28the money or moved it somewhere else in the flat,
0:15:28 > 0:15:30but the house-to-house enquiries
0:15:30 > 0:15:34start to lend weight to Bob's version of events.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36So, what exactly did they say to you?
0:15:36 > 0:15:38When I spoke to one lady, she said that she'd been having
0:15:38 > 0:15:41problems about three o'clock in the morning. Somebody had been trying
0:15:41 > 0:15:44her door handle. She did think to ring us, but thought it was
0:15:44 > 0:15:47nothing so didn't bother. On speaking to another neighbour,
0:15:47 > 0:15:49she said that somebody had been knocking on her door, early hours,
0:15:49 > 0:15:51between one and three o'clock in the morning,
0:15:51 > 0:15:53over the last couple of nights.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55That could well be linked to Bob's property.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58And with everything else that's now coming together with the money being
0:15:58 > 0:16:00left, the location, it's looking
0:16:00 > 0:16:03very much like someone's walked into the property and -
0:16:03 > 0:16:05as an opportunist - and removed the money.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09So, it seems that Bob may well have been in his flat when the
0:16:09 > 0:16:13burglar strolled in, possibly having an afternoon nap in the living room.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16Has it made a difference to how you feel about,
0:16:16 > 0:16:18you know, the house?
0:16:18 > 0:16:21Um, it did earlier on this morning.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25I did feel that way, like, you know, about another flat somewhere, like,
0:16:25 > 0:16:28but the same thing could happen in another flat, like.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31There's no point in it. No, I'm quite happy here...
0:16:31 > 0:16:35Until this damn thing happened, like. But I don't know.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39It's something you've got to live with. It happens.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43- We have got security experts on hand. - Aye.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46If it'll help you out, give you a bit of peace of mind, we can get them
0:16:46 > 0:16:50to have a look around the place and see where maybe
0:16:50 > 0:16:51they can shore it up a bit.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54So, it's time to get our security expert Kevin Evans
0:16:54 > 0:16:56to look over the flat.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00Now, normally, there's a catalogue of security flaws to report
0:17:00 > 0:17:03but, on this occasion, Kevin's really impressed.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06I've got to be honest, it's an excellent property. One-bedroom.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08The door entry is excellent as well -
0:17:08 > 0:17:11it's a multi-point locking mechanism.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14Windows, the other side, having looked at them,
0:17:14 > 0:17:17very secure, PVC double-glazed.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20So, therefore, yeah, very, very secure.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23However secure the flat might be, if the door's left unlocked,
0:17:23 > 0:17:26then an opportunist thief can get in.
0:17:26 > 0:17:27But Kevin's got a solution.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31Obviously, it's not very pleasant to have your house burgled.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33Obviously, you're very upset.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37So, therefore, we're looking at reassurance for this gentleman
0:17:37 > 0:17:40and I will be giving him what we call a hanging door alarm.
0:17:40 > 0:17:45Only a battery-operated alarm but it makes a lot of noise - 120 decibels.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48And, certainly, if I'm Joe Criminal thinking about quietly going in
0:17:48 > 0:17:52and that is activated, there's only one way I'm going to go -
0:17:52 > 0:17:54fast that way to get out of the way -
0:17:54 > 0:17:56because I don't want to be caught.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00We'll be back in Neath a bit later to install the door alarm.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02Now it's over to Keeley in Yorkshire.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06Norman and Sue's house has been ransacked by burglars,
0:18:06 > 0:18:10who smashed through a window in their back door.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14They got away with thousands of pounds of goods but, because of a
0:18:14 > 0:18:18quick-thinking neighbour who caught two suspect on camera and got their
0:18:18 > 0:18:23car number plate, police have quickly retrieved most of their possessions.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26I mean, we were astonished that by the time we made the phone call,
0:18:26 > 0:18:30the police rang back in ten minutes to say, "We've found your stuff."
0:18:30 > 0:18:34And it's all because of the vigilance of a neighbour.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37It's incredible how quickly Norman and Sue
0:18:37 > 0:18:41got most of their things back, but we've still got a job to do -
0:18:41 > 0:18:44getting the house secure and making them feel safe.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47- How have you been? - We've been fine, yeah.
0:18:47 > 0:18:51We've had a very busy week, which has taken our minds off
0:18:51 > 0:18:52most of what's gone on.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54We just seem to be a little bit paranoid when we go out.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57"Shall we leave this here? Shall we leave that?"
0:18:57 > 0:18:59- But we'll get over that, I think, won't we?- Yeah.- What about Izzie?
0:18:59 > 0:19:04- Has she got over the shock? - Yeah.- She's been OK, yeah.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07- And she wasn't damaged, yeah.- Has it made you think about your security?
0:19:07 > 0:19:09Very much so, yeah.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12Did you feel safe? You felt like you had it pretty well covered?
0:19:12 > 0:19:13Absolutely, yeah.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17I thought I'd made a decent job of bolting it,
0:19:17 > 0:19:19but this complacency comes in.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23"Oh, I'll not put all the bolts in, remove the keys."
0:19:23 > 0:19:27And any occasion like that you are vulnerable,
0:19:27 > 0:19:29and we won't be doing that again.
0:19:29 > 0:19:33From now on, all keys will be taken out of the door.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36So, Norman's got the message.
0:19:36 > 0:19:40Now it's time for me to do some of the simple security improvements outside.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45Neil's busy drilling and Izzie wants some earplugs!
0:19:45 > 0:19:47Right, so this is your new alarm system
0:19:47 > 0:19:51that I'm going to fit for you. As you see, it comes with room contacts
0:19:51 > 0:19:52but because you've got a dog,
0:19:52 > 0:19:55I won't put them in because he's got the free run of the house.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57So what I'll do instead is put contacts on,
0:19:57 > 0:19:59so if the doors are opened,
0:19:59 > 0:20:01- it will set your alarm off if it's being triggered.- Right, OK.
0:20:01 > 0:20:02I'll just find Keeley now,
0:20:02 > 0:20:05see where she is, if she's put her cuppa down, and we'll get cracking.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08Right, OK. Thank you.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11Everyone's starting to feel a bit safer.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15And talking of safety, Neil is in need of my assistance outside.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18- You will hold this properly, won't you?- Of course I will!
0:20:18 > 0:20:21- OK, then. It's a bit slippy here, Keeley.- Oh, watch it!
0:20:24 > 0:20:29Being Neil's security understudy is thirsty work.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31How would you feel if I went for a cup of tea right now?
0:20:31 > 0:20:34Um...probably not too good.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39We've put the alarm box in the most prominent position we can -
0:20:39 > 0:20:42a good visual deterrent.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45And now it's time for me to fit some simple door sensors
0:20:45 > 0:20:47that will trigger the alarm when opened.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51There you go. That one's fitted.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54If I can do it, anyone can.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56- So, there you go. - You're getting good at this.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59- I'm getting very good at this. Right, what's next?- Uh, windows.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02- Put a sash jammer on it. - Sash jammers.- Right.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06Sash jammers are quick and easy to fit,
0:21:06 > 0:21:10and they improve security in an instant.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12- There we go.- Let's have a little...
0:21:14 > 0:21:18- That's not going anywhere, is it?- No.- Super.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20- Well done.- Thank you.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24- You're welcome. - A "well done" from Keeley!
0:21:24 > 0:21:27Got to keep them well-trained, Izzie!
0:21:27 > 0:21:30On top of Richard's security suggestions, we're also going to
0:21:30 > 0:21:33replace the back door with a brand-new one.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36After all, that's how the burglars got in.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38It'll make me feel much more secure
0:21:38 > 0:21:43because that is a secluded place that people can attack the house.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46While we finish the improvements at Norman and Sue's house,
0:21:46 > 0:21:49it's time to see how things are going in South Wales.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55Remember Bob lost £2,000 when a burglar entered his flat,
0:21:55 > 0:21:58very possibly through an unlocked front door?
0:21:58 > 0:21:59Since the burglary,
0:21:59 > 0:22:04Bob has found out that two other residents had cash stolen that day.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07So, it's timely that our security man Kevin
0:22:07 > 0:22:11is installing the hanging door alarm, which can cost less than £10.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15We put it on the handle there and we turn it on.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18As we can see, you've got the red light coming on there
0:22:18 > 0:22:22to show that the battery is working, which is very important.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25However, you leave it for a few seconds and then,
0:22:25 > 0:22:26if somebody comes along...
0:22:26 > 0:22:28SHRILL BEEPING
0:22:28 > 0:22:34..and touches the latch itself, as you can see, it activates an alarm.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37So, therefore, that tells Bob there's somebody at that door.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41It gives reassurance to victims of crime.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44I reckon the neighbours would get a right earful as well
0:22:44 > 0:22:47if unwelcome visitors came calling!
0:22:48 > 0:22:49SHRILL BEEPING
0:22:51 > 0:22:54- Blimey, that'd wake you up!- Oh, aye.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56Oh, dear!
0:22:56 > 0:22:59Cor! I mean, next time anyone tries that front door,
0:22:59 > 0:23:03- straight away you're going to know about it.- That's right, yes.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05- It'll alert me.- Aw, fantastic.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09- Does it make you feel a bit better? - Yes, it does.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12I'm going to be careful, more careful than...
0:23:12 > 0:23:16Because I like to think that I'm pretty careful anyway.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18But, yes, I need to...
0:23:20 > 0:23:22..brighten my ideas up, I think,
0:23:22 > 0:23:25and stop having a kip in the afternoon and whatever, like.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28Well, what'll help you - that little gadget on the front door
0:23:28 > 0:23:30that goes off when there's vibrations.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32- Yes, that's marvellous. Marvellous. - That'll soon wake you up!
0:23:32 > 0:23:37Do you think you'll be a lot happier, knowing what you know now?
0:23:37 > 0:23:39Now, yes.
0:23:39 > 0:23:44From your visit and the police and Kevin,
0:23:44 > 0:23:45uh, yes, I will feel a lot happier.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48- I'm glad we've done you some good, anyway, Bob.- Cheers, mate.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50All right, all the best.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52ALARM GOES OFF Oh, and we're off again!
0:23:52 > 0:23:54Whoops!
0:23:54 > 0:23:56Ta-ra!
0:23:58 > 0:24:01So, Bob's feeling a whole lot safer in his own home again,
0:24:01 > 0:24:04but how are things going in Yorkshire?
0:24:04 > 0:24:07Over to Keeley in Otley.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10The swift police investigation led to known burglar
0:24:10 > 0:24:12Barry Hargreaves being charged.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15He was found guilty of the burglary at Leeds Crown Court
0:24:15 > 0:24:18and sent to prison for 4.5 years.
0:24:18 > 0:24:19The woman arrested at the house
0:24:19 > 0:24:23where Norman and Sue's things were found was released without charge,
0:24:23 > 0:24:26along with a second man who had also been arrested.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29Back at Norman and Sue's, Crime Reduction Officer Richard
0:24:29 > 0:24:33has returned to check out our security improvements.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36- Thanks for coming back so quickly. - OK.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38What do you think of the work that Neil's done?
0:24:38 > 0:24:41- Do you think it has improved the property?- Yes, it has.
0:24:41 > 0:24:42It's made it much more secure.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45They've done some work on the fence to stop people climbing
0:24:45 > 0:24:48over on the gate. Thankfully, the ladders have been secured.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51The garden tools, again, have been stored away.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54And, of course, we got the sash jammers fitted. And an alarm.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57What you tend to find, obviously, with victims,
0:24:57 > 0:24:59it's a hard lesson to learn in a lot of cases.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02You do, in life, learn the hard way sometimes.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06Unfortunately, it takes something similar to this to just change
0:25:06 > 0:25:10people's habits and, thankfully, now the keys are being removed
0:25:10 > 0:25:14and they're a little bit more vigilant about things like that.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17So, originally, you gave Sue and Norman's house a six out of ten.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19What would you give it now?
0:25:19 > 0:25:22- Bearing in mind, they're going to get a new door put in.- Right.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24So, once the new door goes on,
0:25:24 > 0:25:26and like we said, the alarm system,
0:25:26 > 0:25:28there's very little else you can do,
0:25:28 > 0:25:30so I think we could be looking at a nine.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33- A nine? Wow. Very generous of you. - It is, today.
0:25:33 > 0:25:37So, it's pretty good now, the house. They should feel safe in the
0:25:37 > 0:25:40- knowledge that they are pretty good on their security now?- Yes.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45I can't wait to tell them the good news.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48So, when Richard originally looked round the house earlier today,
0:25:48 > 0:25:50he gave it a six out of ten.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53- He's now given it a nine. - Oh, that's very good.- Excellent.
0:25:53 > 0:25:57- That's pretty good going, isn't it?- Yes. We're very pleased.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00So, you'll feel safe when you're in the property and when you're out.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03- When you're out walking Izzie.- Yeah.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06What we've discussed in great measure today
0:26:06 > 0:26:09is the means of stopping people
0:26:09 > 0:26:11actually getting in to get your stuff.
0:26:11 > 0:26:16We all think it's not going to happen and it will
0:26:16 > 0:26:19if the opportunity arises with someone who is
0:26:19 > 0:26:23bent on getting into your property.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26If you have a key in a lock, take it out.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28- That's the big thing we've learned, isn't it?- Yes.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31And you've also got your neighbours to thank in all of this, haven't you?
0:26:31 > 0:26:34The vigilance of the neighbour
0:26:34 > 0:26:37who actually saw what was going on
0:26:37 > 0:26:41and had the foresight to actually video it. Very, very...
0:26:41 > 0:26:46Which is, you know, available to most of us who have mobile phones.
0:26:46 > 0:26:51It's become a factor which has returned
0:26:51 > 0:26:55a lot of our items to us...undamaged.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58And do you feel safer now, Sue?
0:26:58 > 0:27:01I'm really pleased with what you've all done for us.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04I'm sure I'll feel better now, having all these things done.
0:27:04 > 0:27:08And I'll feel more safe that when Sue's here on her own,
0:27:08 > 0:27:10that she's more secure.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14And there's someone else who is a whole lot happier, too.
0:27:14 > 0:27:18- I think I've made a friend here in Izzie!- Oh, yes!
0:27:18 > 0:27:19Hello!
0:27:22 > 0:27:25Norman and Sue seemed happy with the work we've done here today
0:27:25 > 0:27:28and I think this has been a bit of a wake-up call for them.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31It just goes to show that spending a few extra minutes putting
0:27:31 > 0:27:34a padlock on a gate or taking your keys out of the door
0:27:34 > 0:27:37can really be the difference between a burglar getting in or not.
0:27:39 > 0:27:43Just a few days ago, Norman and Sue were shocked and shaken
0:27:43 > 0:27:46when their house was ransacked. But due to a vigilant neighbour,
0:27:46 > 0:27:49they've now got most of their possessions back and,
0:27:49 > 0:27:53most importantly, they're all feeling a whole lot safer.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58So, today, we've really seen neighbourhood watch in action.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01It was great that the police were able to use the car registration
0:28:01 > 0:28:05- plate to crack the crime in such a quick time.- Top work, I reckon.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08- That's it for now. See you next time.- Bye-bye.