Credit crunch crime wave; Burglary rises by over 25% as recession starts to bite.

Byline: By KELLY FENNA

BURGLARIES in North Wales have gone up by more than a quarter over the past year amid fears as the finacial crisis could cause a crime wave.

Police figures show there were 1,111 break-ins in the last 12 months compared with 870 in the previous year. Only 23.1% of house burglaries were detected during that period.

Wrexham and Flintshire community safety inspector Paul Firth said despite the regional hike, the number of burglaries are still considered low compared to past trends.

He said people should be "careful and not live in fear of crime."

The message comes as the government's pounds 1.6m burglary prevention campaign aims to inform the public of how to protect their homes as history shows crime rises as recession bites.

Speaking at the launch this week, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said: "We will do everything we can to provide practical help and advice to vulnerable people, but we all have our part to play in making it clear to the minority who think they can take advantage in tough times that they won't get away with it."

In Denbighshire, burglaries have fallen 24% in three years from 263 to 200.

Roly Schwarz, Denbighshire's Community Safety Partnership co-ordinator echoed Ms Smith's point that the current economic crisis did not mean increased crime was "inevitable."

He said schemes in the county have driven down the number of offenders thanks to neighbourhood schemes, high-visibility patrols and intervention.

"We are determined to keep crime down locally," he said.

"We already offer significant support to householders to help them reduce the likelihood of their home being burgled.

Prestatyn Sergeant Johnny Hill is currently embarking on a scheme to help residents when strangers call at their homes.

The national campaign is one part of a concerted effort to help people avoid being the victims of burglary.

It includes a pounds 20m fund offering targeted support for homes and businesses, as well as a personalised online home security self assessment.

Inspector Firth added: "Burglary is a big priority for us as incidents have a big affect on people's lives. "We engage with the community, particularly the vulnerable, to reassure and advise them, as well as fitting locks and security chains for those most at risk."

He added: "In nearly all cases, burglars are opportunists who take advantage of an easy target.

"With just a little bit of thought, people can prevent that from happening."

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