Suspects named after homes broken into as police issue warning

Police are warning people to secure their homes to combat warm weather burglaries after a spate of break-ins on Merseyside.

In the last two weeks, five people have been arrested by police and taken before the courts.

According to Merseyside Police, there are "signs that criminals are taking advantage of the warmer weather", so they are urging the public to make life difficult for potential burglars.

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On May 21, Adrian Debacker, aged 51, of Statton Road, Liverpool, was charged with burglary in relation to items being stolen from somebody's garage in Oakvale Road, Roby.

On May 22, Lee Dixon, 55, of no fixed address, was charged with eight counts of burglary in relation to break-ins at properties in and around the Liverpool city area between March and May this year.

On May 30, Mark Newcombe, 33, of Crispin Street, St Helens, was charged with burglary following a report of items being stolen from the communal area of flats in Hardshaw Street, St Helens.

On June 4, Maxine Tomney, 54, of Geneva Road, Liverpool, was charged with four counts of burglary relating to break-ins at Christopher Street in north Liverpool, Marybone in the city centre, Walton Village and Swiss Road in Kensington.

On June 4, Alan Davies, 45, of Euston Grove, Prenton, was charged with burglary, theft, vehicle interference and fraud by false representation. He was remanded in custody and appeared in court on June 5. This case relates to reports of a man trying door handles of cars and homes in Grafton Street, Oxton on May 20. The man later entered a property and stole a bike and a wallet, and a cash card was reportedly used at a local garage.

Detective Inspector Kevin O’Rourke from Merseyside Police's burglary team, Operation Castle, said: “Whilst we are relentless in the pursuit of offenders and we welcome charges being brought, we know that many burglaries are preventable because offenders are often opportunistic. At this time of year, we see signs that criminals are taking advantage of the warmer weather so we are urging the public to take some simple measures that will make life difficult for potential burglars.

“Criminals will often try numerous handles on doors and windows in a street hoping to find at least one that opens easily. As summer approaches, these opportunities often become more inviting with the sight of doors and windows being left open to keep the occupants cool.

“Please remember to make sure you lock the door when you are at home as well as when you go out. Consider using trickle vents on windows or fans if they are available and double-check you have closed the windows overnight and when you leave the property.

“Don’t advertise your things to criminals – keep laptops and other valuables out of sight and remember to register your electronics and back up any work saved on them.

“Modern video surveillance cameras, including smart doorbells, can be very useful, particularly those with cloud-based apps, but you should check the guidance on the Information Commissioner’s Office website when installing CCTV at home.”

If you discover video footage on your home security camera or smart doorbell that shows someone acting suspiciously on your property, you can upload it for the attention of the Operation Castle team here.

You can share any other information you think is useful via the Merseyside Police social media desk on X @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’.

You can also pass information via Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org

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