0:00:03 > 0:00:06In the UK, there's a burglary every 45 seconds.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24But right across the country, dedicated police teams
0:00:24 > 0:00:25are on the offensive,
0:00:25 > 0:00:29waging war against the criminals who steal from local homeowners.
0:00:29 > 0:00:31Police! Come and open the door,
0:00:31 > 0:00:33otherwise entry's going to have to be forced.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37For the victims of these crimes, it can take months,
0:00:37 > 0:00:40even years, to come to terms with what's happened.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43You just hope one day it happens to them.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46But in this series, we're about to show them and you
0:00:46 > 0:00:49how we can all beat the burglars.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52This is Crime Scene Rescue.
0:00:53 > 0:00:57There are around 700,000 burglaries in Britain every year,
0:00:57 > 0:01:01and it can traumatise even devoted couples like Robert and Dorothy.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03I couldn't have found anybody better.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05She's looked after me a treat.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08In fact, I'm very lucky she condescended to marry me.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12Together for 44 years, they thought they'd seen it all,
0:01:12 > 0:01:14but then they were burgled.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16Did you mention on the phone that possibly there was
0:01:16 > 0:01:20- a jewellery box that you had? - Yes. On top of the... It was on here.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23- So, is that something that's gone? - Yes. The whole thing's gone.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25And while the police hunt for the thieves,
0:01:25 > 0:01:28we take on the huge challenge of making their house
0:01:28 > 0:01:30more secure than ever.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34There's a little extra that we've done inside.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38Hello, West Yorkshire Police. How can I help?
0:01:43 > 0:01:46The city of Leeds, just one of the many areas
0:01:46 > 0:01:48protected by West Yorkshire Police -
0:01:48 > 0:01:51the fourth largest force in the UK.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54They serve a population of around two million people
0:01:54 > 0:01:57but the latest figures show that over 14,000 homes
0:01:57 > 0:01:59in West Yorkshire have been burgled.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02And are your parents not around at the moment?
0:02:04 > 0:02:07It's a crime that not only robs people of their possessions,
0:02:07 > 0:02:11it can also rob them of their peace of mind, as I'm about to discover.
0:02:13 > 0:02:15It's almost six in the evening.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18A few miles from the city centre, I'm attending a crime scene
0:02:18 > 0:02:21with PC Graham Lawton, a police specialist in burglaries.
0:02:24 > 0:02:26Pleased to meet you.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29Inside the house is 41-year-old Liz, who stopped by to check
0:02:29 > 0:02:32on her parents' home while they were away on holiday.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35She discovered that around 40 of their cherished ornamental spoons
0:02:35 > 0:02:39had been stolen, but she's concerned even more items could be missing.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42When I came in, I noticed that the ornamental teaspoons are missing.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45- Come and show me. - A very exciting collection they had.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47There's some things in here. So, this was full up, was it?
0:02:47 > 0:02:50- That was full up, yeah. - Oh, there's one on the floor there.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53Just ornamental souvenir ones from places that they'd been, you know.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56That will be worth something sentimentally to your folks.
0:02:56 > 0:02:57Definitely. To my mum and dad, yeah.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00Of course it is, because they would have had those for many years.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04The bedroom window is clearly visible and partly open, which again...
0:03:04 > 0:03:06- Is that this one here? - That's that one there
0:03:06 > 0:03:09- that you can see that's not covered by the blinds or the curtain.- Mm.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11- They wouldn't leave their bedroom like this.- No.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13It's all a bit surreal really.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15Have you managed to get in contact with them?
0:03:15 > 0:03:17No. I'm, er...
0:03:17 > 0:03:19I bet that's a phone call you're dreading.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21That's not going to be one that will be fun,
0:03:21 > 0:03:23because they'll be worrying.
0:03:23 > 0:03:24I really feel for them.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28'PC Lawton has already assessed how the burglars may have entered
0:03:28 > 0:03:32'the property, so now it's key that more detailed notes are taken.'
0:03:32 > 0:03:35Meanwhile, the distress on Liz's face is growing.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38Right now her parents, Robert and Dorothy,
0:03:38 > 0:03:41are having a well deserved break and are blissfully unaware
0:03:41 > 0:03:44of what's happened, and just how vulnerable their home is.
0:03:44 > 0:03:45This is the window they've come in through.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48They've broken the frame
0:03:48 > 0:03:52and the actual window lock there has been broken.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54So, that is totally insecure now.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56And Liz is understandably very upset
0:03:56 > 0:03:58and doesn't want to leave the house
0:03:58 > 0:04:02because she feels this is insecure, and they could obviously come back
0:04:02 > 0:04:05- and that's what's going through her mind.- Somebody's been in here.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09Somebody who had no right, no permission to come in has been in
0:04:09 > 0:04:12and has been in places that they shouldn't have been.
0:04:12 > 0:04:14Robert and Dorothy have lived securely in their home
0:04:14 > 0:04:17for almost six years, but the sad truth is
0:04:17 > 0:04:20that once you've been burgled, there's a high probability
0:04:20 > 0:04:22you'll suffer the same fate again.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25And if you haven't got basics like good security lighting
0:04:25 > 0:04:28or window locks, then the risk of another break-in
0:04:28 > 0:04:31becomes even higher.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34For West Yorkshire Police, burglaries are a high priority
0:04:34 > 0:04:37and they're keen to capitalise on any clues at the scene.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40'Good forensics can improve the chances of a conviction
0:04:40 > 0:04:44'by around 20%, and Mike Middleton -
0:04:44 > 0:04:46'an expert in forensics - is quick off the mark.'
0:04:46 > 0:04:49What's going through your mind at the moment?
0:04:49 > 0:04:52The possibility of footwear marks where they've come in.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55The wood, although it is a raw wood, it is quite varnished and glossed
0:04:55 > 0:04:59so, hopefully, they might have left some marks on there as well.
0:05:01 > 0:05:03So, just there, you're just dusting for...
0:05:03 > 0:05:06- Is it finger or shoe marks or both? - Both really.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09Like we say, the idea is that they've probably gone out this window too.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11- Yeah.- Rather than find another point of exit.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14So, there's a possibility of some finger tips on there,
0:05:14 > 0:05:17where they've possibly jumped out.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19With Mike gathering the remaining forensics
0:05:19 > 0:05:22for the police investigation, my mission is to make sure
0:05:22 > 0:05:25Robert and Dorothy's home is secure for the night,
0:05:25 > 0:05:27so I've called in an emergency glazier,
0:05:27 > 0:05:30who's unfortunately all too used to picking up the pieces
0:05:30 > 0:05:32following a break-in.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35- There's no glass broken so there's no point doing the glass.- Uh-huh.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38- What I'll do is just put some big screws through there.- Uh-huh.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41The window is shot, absolutely shot,
0:05:41 > 0:05:43so it won't make it any more damaged than it is.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45So, I'll just put some screws in it, from both sides.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49It seems a pretty simple fix, maybe a slightly brutal one
0:05:49 > 0:05:52in some people's eyes, but what he's going to do
0:05:52 > 0:05:54is make that window a lot more secure
0:05:54 > 0:05:56than the rest of the windows.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59Our plan is to make the entire house a lot more secure,
0:05:59 > 0:06:02for when the occupants eventually get home.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28- Robert and Dorothy, you've just come back from a holiday.- Yeah.
0:06:28 > 0:06:32Which obviously, midway through, you got the worst news possible.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36- We did.- When Liz told you what she found in your house.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38- Now, you've not been in yet, have you?- No.
0:06:38 > 0:06:42You've literally just got back. So, what I'd like to do
0:06:42 > 0:06:45- is walk up with you now.- Fine.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48- And go in with you, if that's OK with yourselves.- It's OK with me.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50- I'm just numb.- You're numb?
0:06:50 > 0:06:52- I just feel numb. Yeah.- OK.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55And it's a very hard time, I understand,
0:06:55 > 0:06:58but if you can just explain to me what's going on.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00- Well, I just don't know what to expect.- Shock. Shock.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02They've actually left some behind.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05- How many did you have?- Well, it was full, so...- It were full.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07The best part of... I should think the best part of 40.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10- 40 or 50. - Over the years, you pick them up.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14Robert and Dorothy, in here, this was the window.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18- It was actually this window. - Oh, you can see where he's smashed it all open.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20- So, we've had that secured at the moment.- That's fine.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22- So that no-one can open it.- Yeah.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24But, it's obviously got a lot of work to do.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27Has anything like this happened before, Dorothy?
0:07:27 > 0:07:30- No. No. No, never. - No. Never, never, never.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33Did you mention on the phone that possibly there was a jewellery box?
0:07:33 > 0:07:35Yes. On top of the... It was on here.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37So, is that something that's gone?
0:07:37 > 0:07:39Yes. The whole thing's gone.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41I've been trying to rack my brains just exactly what was in it.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43With the jewellery box gone too,
0:07:43 > 0:07:46the list of stolen items is steadily rising.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49As the police continue their house-to-house inquiries,
0:07:49 > 0:07:53I want to personally make sure that we can protect Robert and Dorothy
0:07:53 > 0:07:55from a future break-in.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58Only 12% of people actually improve their home security
0:07:58 > 0:08:03after a burglary, my plan is to take that stress away
0:08:03 > 0:08:05and stop the thieves coming back again.
0:08:05 > 0:08:10What I certainly want to do is do whatever we possibly can
0:08:10 > 0:08:12to stop this ever happening again.
0:08:12 > 0:08:17- That'll do for me.- And I think what we can do is certainly increase
0:08:17 > 0:08:20the security around your home.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23We've got a security expert from the police coming in the morning.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26- Right.- Who's going to have a look and make a list
0:08:26 > 0:08:29of the locks and doors and windows, and all the security elements around the house.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33I've been wondering about that door lock because it doesn't look as though it's safe for us.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35Exactly. And that's one of my concerns.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38Because I think if we make this place as secure as possible,
0:08:38 > 0:08:41we're going to minimise this ever happening again for you.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44- Yeah.- But, obviously, I need your permission to do that.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46- Yeah. Well, you've got it. - Fine. Fine.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51Well, I can't help thinking that the couple are putting on
0:08:51 > 0:08:54some sort of brave face, but you can see deep down
0:08:54 > 0:08:58they were really upset that an intruder had been into their home,
0:08:58 > 0:09:00and it was horrible seeing their faces,
0:09:00 > 0:09:03knowing that someone had jumped all over their bed
0:09:03 > 0:09:05and rifled through their personal belongings.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08For me, it's time to get cracking.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11We need to get people round that house to fix it,
0:09:11 > 0:09:14and make it as safe and secure as we possibly can.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20Back at Police HQ, and it's time to hit the phone
0:09:20 > 0:09:23and assemble an army of helpers.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26Hi, John. It's Rav. Danny, it's Rav.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30Matthew, it's Rav. We've got a job for you, Lucy. We need a favour.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34We've got a lovely couple - Dorothy and Robert -
0:09:34 > 0:09:36the garden was targeted by the burglars,
0:09:36 > 0:09:39that's clearly how they've got in and out.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41I'm afraid there's a lot of sentimental stuff that's gone.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44They're clearly, you know, very upset about this.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47I want to make their house their home again.
0:09:47 > 0:09:49Danny, that would be fantastic if you can do that.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52Thanks, pal. Thanks, mate. Bye-bye.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06It's the day after a rather subdued Robert and Dorothy returned
0:10:06 > 0:10:10to their burgled home, and I've come back to see how they're feeling.
0:10:10 > 0:10:11Good morning. How are you?
0:10:11 > 0:10:13- Yeah.- Are you all right?
0:10:13 > 0:10:15- A bit weepier than I was last night. - Can I come in?
0:10:15 > 0:10:17Yeah. Please do.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19A bit weepier. So, tell me, what's happened?
0:10:19 > 0:10:23Well, I've started to find things that have gone missing.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28I've a rosary figure, a crystal rosary that my eldest daughter
0:10:28 > 0:10:30bought for me and it was quite expensive.
0:10:30 > 0:10:34I think she ordered it from somewhere in Australia, online.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37And I always say a decade before I go to sleep on a night
0:10:37 > 0:10:40and I put my hand in my drawer last night and it wasn't there.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44Oh, I'm so sorry. Have you noticed anything else that's gone last night?
0:10:44 > 0:10:47I started remembering some of the things that are in the jewel box.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51I had a pearl necklace and some earrings, and the earrings
0:10:51 > 0:10:55my dad had bought me when I was doing my nursing training,
0:10:55 > 0:10:59- donkey's years ago. - So, it's clearly the sentimental...
0:10:59 > 0:11:01So, that... So, yeah. And a crystal necklace
0:11:01 > 0:11:05that a grateful patient once gave me when I was working in York.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07I can see how upset you are, that's clear.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09Yes. And it's getting to me now.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12Yeah, last night, I just sort of felt it was almost
0:11:12 > 0:11:15as if it hadn't happened. It was very surreal, it was...
0:11:15 > 0:11:18You know, because we hadn't, we weren't here
0:11:18 > 0:11:22and we didn't find it when it was, you know, first discovered.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25Now, we've got a lot of work to do, Dorothy,
0:11:25 > 0:11:27but over the next few days, we're going to do that,
0:11:27 > 0:11:30and we're going to make sure as much as we possibly can
0:11:30 > 0:11:34that this sort of thing never happens to you and your husband ever again. OK?
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- Thank you. - All right. You poor thing.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39Oh, I really feel for you, Dorothy.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42I must look a fright. I haven't even brushed my hair this morning.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46You haven't brushed your... That's the least of your worries. Don't you worry about that.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49I'm determined that this ex-nurse, who's spent a lifetime
0:11:49 > 0:11:53caring for others, should feel safe in her home again.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55And, in my view, the transformation of the security
0:11:55 > 0:11:57can't happen soon enough.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01The man to provide the blueprint for the changes is PC Paul Croft,
0:12:01 > 0:12:04a crime reduction expert with West Yorkshire Police.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07OK, Paul, so here's the front of the property.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10Now, one of my pet hates, when I was in the police myself,
0:12:10 > 0:12:14is seeing an old, tatty burglar alarm box, because
0:12:14 > 0:12:18it would signal to the burglars - if that's tatty,
0:12:18 > 0:12:21it's probably not working, or doing a particularly good job.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23It's saying to the offender, you know,
0:12:23 > 0:12:25although there's a box up there, is it in working order?
0:12:25 > 0:12:27You know. Has it been repaired,
0:12:27 > 0:12:30- has it been serviced over the years that it's been up there?- OK.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32If we just go down here ever so slightly...
0:12:32 > 0:12:38Where you see next door, just where it joins this property...
0:12:38 > 0:12:40- Yeah.- There's a very, very low fence
0:12:40 > 0:12:42and no lighting I can see from this house.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44I'm unaware of what next door has.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46It is an easy route in and out.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49So, yeah, you can gain easy access there,
0:12:49 > 0:12:51and that may be something that we can look at.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54OK. So, that's the front. Let's go down
0:12:54 > 0:12:57and see what we can do on the other parts.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00The front door. Now, it looks pretty solid and sturdy to me,
0:13:00 > 0:13:02but what's your thoughts?
0:13:02 > 0:13:04This lock here is a standard lock
0:13:04 > 0:13:06that would be fitted from manufacture.
0:13:06 > 0:13:11Now, there are cylinders which are improved on that,
0:13:11 > 0:13:14which, there's a certain way that offenders are getting into houses
0:13:14 > 0:13:18and by installing a new, up-to-date cylinder,
0:13:18 > 0:13:20that now conforms to the new British Standard,
0:13:20 > 0:13:24we can reduce the likelihood of that happening to this address
0:13:24 > 0:13:25and addresses like it.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28So, here we are, this is the rear of the property
0:13:28 > 0:13:31and you can see the window, where clearly they've gained access.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34It's in a bit of a sorry state at the moment.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36What can we do to make that more secure?
0:13:36 > 0:13:40I would suggest that... Looking at that and the state of repair
0:13:40 > 0:13:43of the windows, you can see it's flaking. The wood's giving the appearance it's rotten.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46I would be tempted to say that we certainly need to perhaps
0:13:46 > 0:13:49look at replacing those windows with something
0:13:49 > 0:13:53a little bit more modern, with some more safety features on them.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55Now we can't change everything, but what we do have
0:13:55 > 0:13:58at the back of the property here is some sort of alleyway,
0:13:58 > 0:14:01and that's of course possibly entrance
0:14:01 > 0:14:03into the back of this house.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05I think this is where the offender has probably come over.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08Perhaps we could make that a little bit more uninviting
0:14:08 > 0:14:10for the offender to climb over that wall.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12Brilliant. Thanks, Paul.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15'The police assessment is a key part of the security overhaul,
0:14:15 > 0:14:18'but I'm really worried about the emotional impact
0:14:18 > 0:14:22'of this burglary, especially as it's becoming increasingly apparent
0:14:22 > 0:14:24'just how fond of their home Robert and Dorothy are.'
0:14:24 > 0:14:27Since we came in here, we've mellowed an awful lot, haven't we?
0:14:27 > 0:14:31Because we've been a lot more together in retirement as well.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35- Haven't we?- We're like Darby and Joan, we just...
0:14:35 > 0:14:39Yeah. We've found we've matured a lot more, haven't we?
0:14:39 > 0:14:41- We've mellowed a bit.- Definitely.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43It's early afternoon in Leeds,
0:14:43 > 0:14:46and while the city's residents go about their daily business,
0:14:46 > 0:14:49back at Robert and Dorothy's home, the security transformation
0:14:49 > 0:14:53is progressing, removing the old alarm and fitting new locks.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04So, Danny, how's it going?
0:15:04 > 0:15:08- Fine, thanks, Rav.- You're busy at work. Looks like you're nearly done.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11You've had a look at the old burglar alarm, and that is gone.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15Now, you're aware that Dorothy and Robert do have a dog, Scott,
0:15:15 > 0:15:18that lives in there. And dogs can set off certain alarms.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21- So, have you accounted for that with this one?- Yeah, we certainly have.
0:15:21 > 0:15:26We're going to install PIR sensors that are actually pet-friendly.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28They can differentiate the difference between
0:15:28 > 0:15:31an intruder and indeed a pet. So, yeah, ideal for the job.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35Brilliant. As simple as that. And this isn't a particularly expensive model, is it?
0:15:35 > 0:15:39It's just something you've put in that anyone could buy for a couple of hundred pounds?
0:15:39 > 0:15:41That's right, yeah. I mean, they're not expensive systems
0:15:41 > 0:15:45and they're quite easy to install. So, they're within anyone's reach.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48- You're going to stick this on in a bit when you've finished.- Yeah.
0:15:48 > 0:15:52- And then the alarm's complete. - Superb.- Brilliant. Thanks, Dan. - Thanks a lot.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00Robert and Dorothy's bedroom is their sanctuary -
0:16:00 > 0:16:02a place where Dorothy does her embroidery
0:16:02 > 0:16:05and where Robert brings her breakfast every morning.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09But now it's been tarnished, I'm determined to rekindle
0:16:09 > 0:16:11the happiness they previously felt in this space.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14To help, I've called in designer Lucy Roper, who's going
0:16:14 > 0:16:17to take the lead on making this house their home again.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19- Now, we've had a look at the security.- Yeah.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22I think there's loads we can do to make this place secure. But what else can we do?
0:16:22 > 0:16:26Well, I know they're probably very uncomfortable about being here,
0:16:26 > 0:16:29and, when the break-in took place, they walked all over the beds
0:16:29 > 0:16:31and things, and also have some mobility issues so,
0:16:31 > 0:16:35looking at hopefully, maybe, looking at replacing the beds
0:16:35 > 0:16:36and maybe redecorating. I've also...
0:16:36 > 0:16:39I know there's some security issues being covered
0:16:39 > 0:16:41with the windows, but we were thinking maybe something
0:16:41 > 0:16:46like a blackout blind that can actually be left in a down position.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48Obviously, the furniture is a little bit dated
0:16:48 > 0:16:52and I think there's some issues with it falling to bits, so, we'll see if we can do something there.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54Let's just make this light, make it new.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58Make it feel nice for them once again and make this house a home.
0:16:58 > 0:16:59Yeah.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03Now, work's started on the house,
0:17:03 > 0:17:05but there's still plenty more that needs doing, so I'm going
0:17:05 > 0:17:09to have a word with the neighbours and see if they can give us a hand.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12For this transformation to succeed, I want to join forces
0:17:12 > 0:17:16with the local community, so we can all show just how passionately
0:17:16 > 0:17:19we want Robert and Dorothy to get back on track.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21- Hello.- Hello, there. How are you doing? I'm Rav.
0:17:21 > 0:17:23- Hello there, sir. - Hello there. How are you?
0:17:23 > 0:17:25I'm Rav. Across the road from you, there's a couple -
0:17:25 > 0:17:28- Dorothy and Robert. Do you know them?- Yeah. Oh, yeah.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30There's a lot of work that we still need to do.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33- Yeah.- To make the place feel a bit nicer for them.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36You see, if we can get some helping hands, some neighbours round...
0:17:36 > 0:17:39- Would you be able to help out, do you think?- Yeah. No problem.
0:17:39 > 0:17:40Yeah. Yeah, certainly.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42Yeah? Right. We'll you see you later.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44- Yeah,- OK.- Ta-ra. - Neighbours on board.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48And what's really nice about this is the sense of community spirit,
0:17:48 > 0:17:50and they all want to help each other out.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53They all agree it's absolutely horrendous, what's happened
0:17:53 > 0:17:54to poor Dorothy and Robert,
0:17:54 > 0:17:58but what they also agree on is that they want to come round and help.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02With the new alarm in action,
0:18:02 > 0:18:03Robert and Dorothy are already
0:18:03 > 0:18:07almost three times more secure than before.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09As they settle down for the evening,
0:18:09 > 0:18:12West Yorkshire Police remain on the trail of the thieves.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15PC James Gross is leading the investigation.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17The team and I are still waiting for the forensic results
0:18:17 > 0:18:20that were taken from Rob and Dorothy's address.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22We're also looking to other lines of inquiry,
0:18:22 > 0:18:24trying to piece the clues together as to whether
0:18:24 > 0:18:26this is a one-off burglary, or whether the suspects
0:18:26 > 0:18:29are the same and can be linked to other burglaries that have occurred.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32So, the forensics could be vital in solving this case,
0:18:32 > 0:18:35and the investigation continues.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39Early morning and Robert and Dorothy are about to leave their home
0:18:39 > 0:18:43of almost six years, to allow us to continue the transformation.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45But it seems Robert in particular
0:18:45 > 0:18:48is finding things hard to deal with since the burglary.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51He's having trouble coping.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54He's not a well man at the best of times and at the moment,
0:18:54 > 0:18:57he's having a few health issues
0:18:57 > 0:18:59and because of that,
0:18:59 > 0:19:03he's not taking things in his stride
0:19:03 > 0:19:06like he would have done once upon a time.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10OK.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16As they head off, the plan for today is to make some more giant strides
0:19:16 > 0:19:19with the security, replacing the windows
0:19:19 > 0:19:21and adding new exterior lights.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24But we're also trying to put the heart back into this home
0:19:24 > 0:19:27and for that, we'll require my army
0:19:27 > 0:19:31of community-spirited tradesmen and women.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36OK, ladies and gents, thank you for coming round at such short notice.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39The reason we're all here is to help Dorothy and Robert,
0:19:39 > 0:19:42who live in the property behind me. Some of you personally know them,
0:19:42 > 0:19:46some of the neighbours, I see, have come forward, and some of you have just heard what happened.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50We want to make that place so secure and as a little added bonus,
0:19:50 > 0:19:53I also want to look at the bedroom where this actually happened.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55They don't even feel like they want to be there at the moment,
0:19:55 > 0:19:57and I think we need to change that.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00So, with your help, we don't have a lot of time,
0:20:00 > 0:20:02so let's get on with it.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12What's the timescale for clearing the bedrooms for the windows going in?
0:20:12 > 0:20:15This one'll probably be about an hour, and that one about an hour.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17- So, an hour and just get everything cleared.- Yes.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24That's my beautiful colour if you'd like to unveil.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26Ooh!
0:20:26 > 0:20:28Nice and relaxing and calming, after you've been burgled.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33Three hours in and the overhaul on Robert and Dorothy's house
0:20:33 > 0:20:37is progressing swiftly, and the new windows in particular
0:20:37 > 0:20:40are taking shape. Fitting them is John, and he's going well beyond
0:20:40 > 0:20:44the call of duty to make sure our homeowners feel extra secure.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47So, John, you're doing the windows. This is the bathroom one.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49Talk me through what you're doing here.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52With it being a bathroom, it has to be toughened, it has to be toughened glass.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54In the event of it breaking, it doesn't crack
0:20:54 > 0:20:57and it's not going to fall on the end user.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59We didn't have four days to get it toughened,
0:20:59 > 0:21:03so what we're going to do is we're going to wrap it with a clear security film.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06Not only will that be safer, it's also going to be more secure.
0:21:06 > 0:21:07So, in the event of it being broken into,
0:21:07 > 0:21:10they're not going to be able to gain entry from the glass.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13It costs roughly about £20, £25 per square metre.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16It can be fitted on timber windows, aluminium windows, PVC,
0:21:16 > 0:21:19and it's a retro fit. It's very easy to fit.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22And you can make that security improvement at home.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27This burglary has really struck a chord within the community.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30Not only are the police doing all they can,
0:21:30 > 0:21:32so too are neighbours like Geoff and Denis,
0:21:32 > 0:21:35who are adding their own unique input to proceedings.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38If you're going to fall, give us a shout, I'll get out of the way.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44So, Lucy, loads of work's obviously taken place here.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46Tell me what's happened so far.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49OK. We have taken the wardrobes out, we've redecorated
0:21:49 > 0:21:52and painted them, tried to make the room lighter and airier.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54We have got a carpet coming tomorrow.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56We've got new beds that have arrived.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58We have some lovely pictures that we've framed,
0:21:58 > 0:22:00hopefully with lots of happy memories
0:22:00 > 0:22:02so that it makes this room a bit more comfortable.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05And I think we're about on schedule, hopefully,
0:22:05 > 0:22:08for finishing before they get back.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10Well, I think we're in safe hands here,
0:22:10 > 0:22:14so I'm off to see how the police are doing with their investigation.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17Unfortunately, the crime will be filed as undetected
0:22:17 > 0:22:20at this time, we've no suspects to charge to court.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24It may be that further down the line, we might trace
0:22:24 > 0:22:28the property where we can deal with that person for handling
0:22:28 > 0:22:31stolen goods, and then obviously from there, see if we can try
0:22:31 > 0:22:34and locate the burglary suspects.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37It's bad news for Robert and Dorothy, but it's good to hear
0:22:37 > 0:22:40that the police will continue to pursue any new leads that crop up.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47It's early morning in Leeds, and while the city slowly rises,
0:22:47 > 0:22:49the finishing touches are taking place.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53The final piece of the security jigsaw is to add a tougher door
0:22:53 > 0:22:57with better locks, and plant a range of prickly bushes.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00If Robert and Dorothy's home were targeted again,
0:23:00 > 0:23:03a small piece of ripped clothing or blood gathered from these
0:23:03 > 0:23:06could be all it takes to identify the burglar.
0:23:06 > 0:23:10Well, we're trying to make this garden a little bit more unfriendly
0:23:10 > 0:23:14to burglars, so I've got a selection of plants to go in.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18I've got some pyracantha here, which is really nasty stuff.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20You wouldn't want to go near it without these gloves on,
0:23:20 > 0:23:22and it will rip you to pieces.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32Just an hour to go, and PC Paul Croft, West Yorkshire Police's
0:23:32 > 0:23:37burglary expert, is back to give his view on the new security measures.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41We've added a new pet-friendly alarm. A tougher front door.
0:23:41 > 0:23:46Security lights. Fencing. Prickly bushes.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49And of course, some much needed UPVC windows.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52In terms of a score for the house, I think, initially,
0:23:52 > 0:23:55we'd have to be looking at perhaps a two or a three.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57And now, after all the work that's been done,
0:23:57 > 0:24:01I don't think we can ever give a property a ten out of ten,
0:24:01 > 0:24:04but certainly, we're looking at eight or nine.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09Time for Robert and Dorothy to come home.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14How are you doing? Are you all right?
0:24:14 > 0:24:16- It's been weird.- Oh!- Really weird.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18Right. Well, I've got lots to show you.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21We'll start off on the front of your house. You can see up there.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24- Yeah. Wow!- A brand new burglar alarm has been put in.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27So, it's nice, shiny, new, it's flashing away.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31It will deter anyone, alone, just seeing that. OK?
0:24:31 > 0:24:33- See on the corner there. - Oh, I've seen that one.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35- Oh, wow! Look at those. - A fancy new light.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37You've got four of those around your house.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39We'll be all right.
0:24:39 > 0:24:41And they're a special low-level lighting,
0:24:41 > 0:24:44so they don't cost very much to run at all.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46They're very, very cheap to run, but it gives off light
0:24:46 > 0:24:49every time it goes dark. OK, so from dusk till dawn.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52- Dusk to dawn.- They'll come on. So, again, that will deter anyone.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55- Oh, right.- So, if you just follow me round through here.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59Guys, what you can see is a brand new...
0:24:59 > 0:25:02- Oh!- Wow!- Hey, that looks a bit better now, doesn't it?
0:25:02 > 0:25:04Yeah. Much more secure, the entire door.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07But it's also got a much more secure lock on it.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10I just want to show you one more thing here.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12Now, here on the conservatory doors.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14- I know you were a bit concerned before, Robert...- Yeah.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17About the handles. And again with the locks you previously had.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19- It looks a lot better.- They were not as secure as we'd like.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22- They've been replaced.- Yeah.- OK?
0:25:22 > 0:25:23I like that. It's a nice big lock.
0:25:23 > 0:25:25All right? Now...
0:25:25 > 0:25:27I can't get over all this.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31Well, we wanted to make this house as secure as we possibly could,
0:25:31 > 0:25:34- so that's...- It looks like you've done a very good job so far.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36Well, so far, yeah. There's more.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38But there is more that I want to show you.
0:25:38 > 0:25:42There's a little extra that we've done inside.
0:25:46 > 0:25:48So, would you like to follow me?
0:25:48 > 0:25:50- Yeah.- Yeah.- I'll show you the inside.
0:25:50 > 0:25:52Right.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54Robert, if you have a look in here.
0:25:54 > 0:25:58- Oh, wow!- We wanted to do something extra for you, because...
0:25:58 > 0:26:00Ooh! It's a different room.
0:26:00 > 0:26:02Have you seen this?
0:26:04 > 0:26:07Now, what we wanted to do was a little bit extra for you.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10- Well, you have.- Because we know that this is the room where it happened.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13- And what we wanted to try and do, Robert...- Yeah. It's fine.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17- ..is try and put some happy memories in this room. - Oh, that's fine. Yeah.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21Instead of the bad memory of what happened. So, what do you think?
0:26:21 > 0:26:22I'm overwhelmed.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24Well, as Yorkshiremen would say, gobsmacked.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27- I'm absolutely overwhelmed. - Totally gobsmacked.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30- Just look for me over there. Just look at the window. - I'm looking at it.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33- Oh, crikey!- Now that's been completely replaced.- Look at that!
0:26:33 > 0:26:35- Have you seen the pelmet?- I know.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39The window's completely new, completely secure.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42Much, much more secure than what you had before.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45- Is it really... - Are you sure we're not in a hotel?
0:26:45 > 0:26:47I was going to say, is it really our house?
0:26:47 > 0:26:49Is it a hotel or is it ours? I know.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51Look at the lamps!
0:26:54 > 0:26:58So, Dorothy and Robert, now you've seen what's happened in this room,
0:26:58 > 0:27:00to the windows, to the doors, all around your house,
0:27:00 > 0:27:03do you feel a little bit more secure than you did?
0:27:03 > 0:27:06- Honestly, yes. - Yes, we certainly do.
0:27:06 > 0:27:10Yeah. I'm never going to want to get out of bed again!
0:27:10 > 0:27:13Brilliant. Obviously, there's a lot of people that have been working
0:27:13 > 0:27:16through the night, really, to make this happen and...
0:27:16 > 0:27:19Well, it's a miracle. I don't know how you've done it.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22- How would you feel about meeting some of them?- I would love to.- Yes.
0:27:22 > 0:27:24We could say thank you for the work.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26- A huge thank you to say to everybody.- Yeah.
0:27:26 > 0:27:31Everyone who made this possible is here, including their daughter, Liz.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34- Look here!- There we go!
0:27:34 > 0:27:36Goodness me. Where have you all come from?
0:27:36 > 0:27:38Do you want to go and say hello to them?
0:27:38 > 0:27:40- Oh, I do, please, yeah.- You go on. - Oh, thanks, everybody.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43People in the street. You're a lovely bloke.
0:27:43 > 0:27:47- Thank you so much.- So, now we can say thanks. Thank you.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49It's a wonderful job.
0:27:52 > 0:27:54Yes, it never ceases to amaze me that, you know,
0:27:54 > 0:27:57we've got some really, really good people in the community
0:27:57 > 0:28:01that have come together, you know, at short notice to make new windows,
0:28:01 > 0:28:03door locks, alarm systems and things.
0:28:03 > 0:28:07And clearly, you know, it's been absolutely fantastic.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12Well, I never thought something so sad could end up so positive.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15With all these tradesmen and women and neighbours coming to help
0:28:15 > 0:28:19Dorothy and Robert out, and make their house their home once again.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd