MORE than 450 people have been arrested in connection with burglary offences across Merseyside since February.

Merseyside Police launched 'Operation Castle' to make burglary a 'main priority' for the force earlier this year and has since reported a decrease in cases across the region.

Since March, officers say there has been a 7.9 per cent decrease in burglars targeting homes compared to figures from last year.

Currently there are 13 suspects on remand for sentencing or trial.

Notable sentences during the crackdown include Anthony Edwards, 68, of Higson Court, Toxteth who was given a four year jail term for a jewellery burglary in Birkenhead and 21-year-old Charlie Swann, of Meadow lane, West Derby who also was slapped with a four year prison sentence for burglaries in Neston and Ellesmere Port.

Superintendent Matt Boyle, who is leading the operation, said: "In March, following a rise in offences, we launched Operation Castle, to target offenders and reduce burglary offences.

"The results so far are encouraging but we will continue to proactively target offenders and put them before the courts, with your help.

"I want to thank the communities for all information which, as you can see, makes a real difference.

"We understand that burglary has a massive impact on victims. It can be a really personal and invasive crime and victims can struggle to come to terms with offenders having entered their homes and stolen personal items, which often don't have huge monetary value, but on a personal level can be irreplaceable.

"Over the summer months, activity will continue and residents can look at our social media sites and their own local policing websites where they will find a host of information on burglary hotspots, extra patrols, and advice on security."

The operation now aims to raise community confidence by reassuring residents and victims and hopes to continue to reduce the number of outstanding named suspects for burglary.

Supt Boyle added: “When we launched Operation Castle, it was a big push on tackling burglary and bringing offenders to justice.

"We have put more patrols out, and I would continue to ask people to report anything suspicious, and come forward with any information you may have seen or heard.

"A decrease in offences is obviously good news for the communities but it is only the first step.

"We are not complacent and recognise that burglaries have not been completely removed from the streets of Merseyside.

"We are continuing to ask the public to be vigilant as we know the vast majority of burglaries are still preventable as they are often opportunistic.

"Lock your front and back door even when you are in, set your burglar alarm when you go out or go to be and consider getting CCTV.

"We continue to remind people over the summer that on hot days, although it might be tempting to leave windows and doors wide open to cool down, be careful not to leave yourself vulnerable by leaving your home in this way.

"It’s also a good idea to use light timers when you go out at night or during the summer holiday period, keep valuables out of sight, and secure your shed and garage too. Look out for your neighbours, especially the elderly, and report anything suspicious to us.

"Your home is your castle, hence the name of the operation, and we want the community to feel safe in their own homes. And you can be a part of this, online and in your community.

"We have been working closely with Neighbourhood Watch schemes so get involved in your local area and help to make a difference down your street. And you can speak to your local officers about the operation, or with any information you may have.”

Anyone with information regarding burglaries should call Merseyside Police on 101 or contact them via social media on @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC.

Information can also be passed via Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via the online form at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.