ByDAILY MAIL REPORTER PCSOs climbed through windows to show how easy it is for thieves (file pic) Police have been entering people's unlocked homes in a bid to scare residents into locking up. After a spate of burglaries, officers climbed in through open windows or slipped through unsecured doorways of careless residents. Shocked homeowners in Hove, East Sussex, said they either came face-to-face with a Police Community Support Officer or came back to find a note warning them how accessible their homes were for thieves. Residents said PCSOs had also left messages explaining they had closed the windows and doors for them. The note warned: 'If you have found this notice you have been lucky this time'. With the warmer weather, increasing numbers of homeowners have left doors unlocked at the front of the property while out in the garden, or left windows open during the day. Two female PCSOs were able to get into 11 homes in Hove on one day where doors or windows had been left open. Inspector Richard Delacour said: 'We've been hit by a series of burglaries in the last week or so. The leaflet that was pushed through doors and windows 'People are leaving windows and doors open and opportunist burglars are walking in and helping themselves. 'Officers were able to get into insecure ground floor and basement properties.' One resident, who came face to face with a PCSO in their home, said she was 'totally shocked' being met by a police officer in her kitchen. The 38-year-old, who did not want to be named, said: 'I was just pottering around in the kitchen and then all of a sudden their was a police officer in front of me. 'I really didn't know what to make of it and just stared at her for a while. 'She had clambered through my living room window and started lecturing me about crime prevention. 'I thought it was a bit much really, but it did make me think.' A spokeswoman for Sussex Police said officers would have called out to homeowners before 'popping their heads around the door'. PCSOs were introduced in 2002 by then Home Secretary David Blunkett to divert 'low-level responsibilities' from full police officers and increase the uniformed presence on the streets. The officers cost the taxpayer millions of pounds each year and work in a neighbourhood team on subjects such as anti-social behaviour. They earn upwards of £16,000, more in London. PCSOs have been the subject of controversy after several high-profile incidents. PCSO's (left) do not have powers of arrest, unlike regular police officers. The uniform also varies, with bowler-style hats and different insignia In May 2007, two Greater Manchester Police PCSOs failed to rescue ten-year-old Jordon Lyon from a lake because 'they were not trained to do so'. In January 2008, two Blunkett bobbies hid from a 13-year-old boy at children's centre after he started arguing with staff - and then called the real police for help. In August 2008, PCSO Paul Ryan of the Swiss Cottage team in London was sacked for impersonating Hitler while on duty Most recently, PC Tony Cobban from Preston refused to pose sitting on a bike for a photocall because he hadn't passed his cycling proficiency test. PCSOs do not have the power to arrest people but can: Some PCSOs have additional powers such as searching people believed to have a dangerous weapon.Homeowners stunned as 'Blunket Bobbies' climb through unlocked windows... to warn them of burglary dangers
Last updated at 3:17 PM on 10th July 2009
The Blunkett Bobbies
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1198843/Homeowners-shocked-PCSOs-enter-open-windows-easy-thieves.html#ixzz0KsfspzST&D
Friday, 10 July 2009
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