High Value City Centre Burglaries

High Value City Centre Burglaries

Recent Crime Trend

North Yorkshire Police would like to make local businesses aware of a recent increase in high-value burglaries targeting business premises in York city centre.

Offenders have gained entry by exploiting weak points in roofs and fire escapes, often during the night or after closing hours. In several incidents, significant property and stock losses have occurred.

Crime Prevention Advice

We are urging all business owners and staff to take extra precautions to help prevent further offences:

Inspect your premises thoroughly before closing, ensuring no one is hiding within storage areas, toilets, or less-frequented parts of the building.

Strengthen access points such as roof hatches, skylights, and fire escapes. Install robust locks, alarms, and anti-climb measures where possible.

Regularly review your CCTV coverage to ensure all entry routes and roof areas are monitored effectively and cameras are in good working order.

Keep external areas well-lit, particularly around rear doors, alleys, and fire escapes.

Be Vigilant

Please report any suspicious behaviour immediately. This may include:

Individuals asking unusual or detailed questions about business operations, such as locking-up times, staffing numbers, or building layouts.

Persons loitering nearby, sitting in vehicles or public spaces while watching or recording business premises.

Anyone taking photographs or notes related to your property or security arrangements.

Even if the behaviour seems minor, your information could be vital in preventing further offences.

Report It

If you see suspicious activity or believe a crime is in progress:

Call 999 immediately.
For non-urgent information or intelligence, please contact:

North Yorkshire Police on 101

Or report online via: www.northyorkshire.police.uk

You can also pass information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Working Together

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Message Sent By
Grenville Dowson
(Police, PCSO, York Inner)