Police fail to learn lessons from own security campaign

A police station was burgled a day after officers urged residents to keep doors and windows locked. As force chiefs launched a home safety campaign, a thief climbed in through an open window. Now an urgent security review is being carried out at the busy station yards from the town’s magistrates’ court.

As part of a “Close it, lock it, check it” crackdown across their county, police revealed more than a quarter of burglaries were a result of poor security – such as unlocked doors or open windows. The slogan was painted on a bus to spread the message. But a day later, a crook slipped into the station in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, through an open window.



Assistant Chief Constable Paul Marshall said at the launch: “People can avoid becoming a victim of burglary by checking that their doors and windows are locked every time they go out.” A man was arrested over the break-in and is due in court next week, but police are remaining tight-lipped as to what he stole. A spokesman for Suffolk Constabulary said: “Although there was a breach of building security, confidential documents were not compromised.” A colleague promised: “Security at the station will be reviewed.”

Councillor Robert Everitt, member for community safety on St Edmundsbury Borough Council, said: “I’m sure they are learning their lessons and are extremely embarrassed.” A resident who asked not to be named said: “It’s almost too humorous but I feel sorry for them. They’re doing their best and unfortunately they do not have the wit or guile to stop themselves being burgled.”