SURREY Police has launched a new section on the Force’s website today to trace those both wanted and suspected of being involved in various burglary offences across the county. The section also names and shames those recently put behind bars.

The Rogues Gallery is split into three sections - 'Behind Bars', 'Most Wanted', and 'Do you know these people?' and it will run for an initial three month trial period.  To view the Rogues Gallery go to http://www.surrey.police.uk/media/rogues_gallery.asp

'Behind Bars' informs the public of criminal justice system work across Surrey. Adults convicted for burglary now have their names, photographs, details of the crime or crimes they have committed and the court's sentence published on the Surrey Police website.

'Most Wanted' asks the Surrey public if they recognise any of the county’s most wanted burglars. If so, they could help solve crimes and help the force put these people behind bars.

'Do you know these people?' requests information about individuals suspected of being involved in burglaries in Surrey. Information on where these people are, who they are with and what vehicles they are using can prove to be invaluable to officers.

The Rogues Gallery will be updated on a regular basis with new convictions to highlight how the public have helped Surrey Police put criminals ‘Behind Bars’. It will also be updated regularly with those ‘Most Wanted’ or suspected of being involved in burglaries.

Anyone with information can call Surrey Police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 if they don’t want to give their name.

Temporary Chief Constable Craig Denholm said: “Officers have carried out great work in reducing our outstanding burglary offences and the website will reassure homeowners of those brought to justice and taken off the streets. However, there are still too many people who are on the run trying to evade justice and we need the public to help us out.

”I would say to anyone who knows they are wanted, hand yourself in now.

“Anyone found to be helping those who are wanted or handling stolen goods could also find themselves in serious trouble.

“I would urge the community to work with us and help bring both wanted and suspected burglars out of hiding. This could prevent any upset caused to families over Christmas who may have gifts for their loved-ones taken from their homes.”

As well as the Rogues Gallery, in a few weeks time Christmas Cards will also be posted to well known burglary offenders. This will be a seasonal message from Surrey Police reminding them of the consequences if they re-offend.

Surrey Police’s campaign to help homeowners avoid becoming the victims of burglary over Christmas launched last week. http://www.surrey.police.uk/beattheburglar

The campaign includes a short video and radio adverts urging the public to protect their homes and possessions and not to make life easy for burglars by leaving their wrapped presents in view under the Christmas tree.

Alongside the campaign, Surrey Police is planning additional operational activities targeting high risk areas and known offenders. Extra patrols will be out on the beat and free property marking kits using Selecta DNA to mark and protect valuable items will be given away in selected areas by Safer Neighbourhood Teams.

A new 10 step self assessment to consider and assess the level of home security is now available on the Force’s website. It provides practical advice to help homeowners reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of burglary.

To help you enjoy a happy and safe Christmas and New Year, Surrey Police recommend the following:

At home
Don't leave presents under the Christmas tree in view of a window. Hide them somewhere safe until Christmas morning.
Security mark expensive presents, such as electronic equipment with a forensic marking product and keep an inventory on a property registration website such as www.immobilise.com.
Dispose of Christmas gift packaging carefully. Empty boxes left outside can advertise to thieves what they can find inside.

Going away?
If you are going away over the festive period ask a neighbour or your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme to keep an eye on your house.
Do not post details of your holiday on social networking sites.
Make your house look occupied by using automatic timer switches to turn interior lights, radios or TVs on and off and ensure you cancel your milk and newspapers.
Remember to lock all doors and windows and to set your burglar alarm.

Visit www.surrey.police.uk to view the Rogues Gallery, the Christmas campaign video or to take the self assessment on your home security.

Call 101 for all non-emergency policing matters.
Call 999 if you have a genuine emergency requiring the attendance of the police (eg a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger).
Call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you have information about crime and don't want to leave your name.