Acquisitive crime covers all crimes where items are stolen or obtained fraudulently. This includes theft, burglary, vehicle crime and fraud.

Levels of acquisitive crime have fallen significantly over the last few years, for example, incidents of domestic burglary have fallen by nearly 50% between March 2004 and March 2009 (749 to 378), and vehicle crime has fallen by just over 50% (1713 to 837) over the same period. It still remains a priority for the Safer Arun Partnership, however, as we wants to bring these figures down even further because of the impact these crimes can have on people’s lives.

Domestic Burglary

In many cases, incidents of domestic burglary are a combination of carelessness and opportunist thieves. Staggeringly, around 1 in 3 burglaries in Arun are the result of insecure properties - that is unlocked or open windows and doors. Simply by ensuring your home is properly secured each time you go out, even if you are just popping to the shops or working in the garden, you can greatly reduce your risk of being burgled.

Good security does not have to be expensive. This check list can act as a reminder of things you can do to improve the security around your home.

Neighbourhood Watch plays an active role in helping to reduce burglaries by bringing neighbours together to look out for each other and by providing useful crime prevention advice. You can find out if there is a scheme in your area, or how to go about starting a new one by contacting your local PCSO at Sussex Police on 0845 6070 999 or on the Sussex Police website.

Older or disabled people can contact Anchor Safe by calling the local office on 01903 788440. This is a home improvements service, helping with repairs and improvements to allow vulnerable residents remain safe and secure. For a nominal charge of £15 they will receive security survey and any door and window locks required. The SAFE scheme (Security Action for the Elderly) is free when people are referred by the Police or Victim Support.

Distraction Burglary

Sometimes offenders will try and trick their way into your home. This is called distraction burglary or bogus callers. The Home Office defines distraction burglary as “Any crime where a falsehood, trick or distraction is used on an occupant of a dwelling to gain, or try to gain, access to the premises to commit burglary”. This is a particularly distasteful crime as it is usually targeted at the elderly and vulnerable by preying on their trust. The burglary crime prevention page has some useful advice on how to reduce your risk of becoming a victim.

Vehicle Crime

Vehicle crime can include the theft of vehicles, theft of contents from vehicles or interfering with a vehicle with the intent of trying to break into it. The Safer Arun Partnership carries out a number of campaigns to raise awareness of some of the key issues, for example, not leaving expensive items in vehicles such as satellite navigation equipment and people leaving vehicles in remote spots while dog walking.

There is a lot you can do to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of vehicle crime and it doesn’t have to be expensive. Some of the things on the check list of advice may sound obvious, but it could make all the difference if you follow it consistently.

Theft

Theft can cover a range of offences where someone takes property that does not belong to them without permission. Two of the most common are stealing purses, handbags or wallets from people while they are out and about and shoplifting. Reducing the risk of theft when outside, like many crimes, can be managed by following some simple advice on our theft check list.

Additionally, many criminals are now using modern technology to steal from people by using telephone and internet scams. See our scams check list for advice on how to avoid scams.