ST HELENS men have been listed among Merseyside Police’s nine most wanted burglary suspects.

The force has released their mug shots as part of a campaign to keep burglary down in Merseyside.

  • Kevin Andrews, aged 27, from Dentons Green. Description: white, 6ft 2ins tall, medium build, short dark brown hair and blue eyes. Police believe Andrews may have information in connection with an aggravated burglary.
  • Ryan Witter, aged 20. Description: white, 6ft 2 ins tall, slim build, short dark brown hair and blue eyes.

He is wanted for being in breach of his bail conditions and may also have information in relation to an assault.

A 33-year-old man who police wanted to speak to as part of an initial appeal handed himself in to police last Thursday and officers say he will face no further action.

The release of the list marks the launch of a three-month long police operation to tackle an anticipated rise in the number of burglaries.

Leading the operation, Superintendent Chris Markey said: "As the nights draw in, shorter days mean that houses are left in darkness for longer periods of time, giving the speculative burglar more opportunities to break in.

"Burglaries are down year-on-year and there are more than 1000 fewer victims than three years ago, which equates to a 14 per cent decrease. However, during the months of October, November and December we do see the numbers rise by as much as 25 per cent, compared to the rest of the year.”

The operation will see police tracking down offenders and disrupting their day-to-day activities.

Police patrols will be stepped up in hotspot areas and police teams across Merseyside will be out and about providing home owners with advice on how to keep their property safe.

Superintendent Markey added: "I want to send a clear message to those individuals who are committing burglaries that there will be no hiding place. We will use all the tools we have available to us to track them down and bring them to justice.

"One in five burglaries is down to insecurities and burglars will always take the easy option. It only takes a few minutes for them to get in through an open window or door.

“Many burglaries are preventable by simply locking doors and shutting windows.”

Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Jane Kennedy said: "Being burgled is about more than a family losing their possessions, it can also rob a victim of the sense of being safe in their own home.

"Merseyside Police have been very successful in reducing the number of burglaries over recent years, but I am pleased that they are never complacent. They are aware that there can be a seasonal rise in the number of burglaries as the days become shorter and the nights longer.

"This crime prevention campaign warns those who break into people’s homes to steal their belongings and destroy their feeling of safety and security; ‘You will be pursued and you will be caught’. I am also urging people to take a few simple precautions to protect their homes this autumn.”

Police advice is to lock front and back doors, even when you’re in and use an alarm if you have one. Light timers are also an effective tool to give the impression that someone is at home and that sheds and garages are locked.

Officers are asking those who are wanted, or anyone who knows of their whereabouts to contact Merseyside Police on 101. People can also speak to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.