POLICE officers in Essex are trying to predict crimewaves before they happen.

Statistics show the number of burglaries tend to increase in November.

But Essex Police is using facts and figures, as well as on-the-beat policing, to combat this.

By looking at previous trends, they hope to predict future ones – and prevent them.

Once the information is gathered, more resources will be put in those areas where the crimes often take place to try to beat the burglars.

The technique has proved effective in the past – leading to a 10 per cent drop in burglaries.

Chief Superintendent Carl O’Malley, area commander for north Colchester, said: “We launched Op Insight on October 1 last year and up until the end of September this year, it had resulted in 823 fewer break-ins.

“Traditionally, we see a rise in break-ins through autumn into winter, but last year we saw a fall and I want to continue that trend.

“We aim to do that by continuing to refine Op Insight.”

Officers use a map to work out priority zones.

The operation has also identified there is an increased risk of becoming a victim of burglary if you live close to someone who has been burgled in recent weeks.

To tackle this, Essex Police now visits a number of houses near any property that is broken into, to warn residents.

Chief Supt O’Malley added: “I am sure part of the success of Insight is down to this ‘cocooning’ process we carry out to alert neighbours to the risk of being burgled, so they can take their own steps to effectively secure their homes.

Despite the police’s work, break-ins are still a problem.

Ten homes have been burgled on two Colchester estates in two weeks.

Residents are being urged to be on their guard after break-ins in the St John’s and Highwoods areas.

Extra police officers are now patrolling the area.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “A number of burglaries have occurred with entry from the rear of the house, sometimes through unlocked doors.”

Highwoods councillor Gerard Oxford said: “We have had about five in Highwoods. It is annoying to put it mildly.

“There is no excuse for it.

Some people will try to make excuses, saying they are out of work and are trying to make ends meet, but so are millions of law-abiding people.

“We are telling people to be vigilant and we hope they are.

“Don’t make it easy for the criminals – make it as hard as possible.”

In November 2013 there was more than a burglary a day on the Greenstead estate – the highest all year.

Between August 2013 and July 2014, there were 1,177 burglaries in Colchester, including 528 homes.
The number of home burglaries was down during this period, but the number of “other” burglaries, such as from sheds and garages, rose.

Essex Police are urging people to take extra care securing their homes.

A spokesman said: “Prevent access to the rear with good fencing and padlocks, and make sure windows and doors are locked.”

Three out of ten burglaries occur when doors or windows are left open.

Residents are also urged to lock sheds and garages.

Not only can things be stolen from them but items can be used to break into the house.

Timer lights and alarms are also recommended.

For more information visit www.essex.police.uk/be_safe/ burglary.aspx or call 101 and ask for your local crime reduction officer.