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The catflap burglars

Kate Stirrup
5/ 9/2003

CAT flaps are being used by ingenious crooks as a way to gain entry to homes in Northenden.

Thieves are targeting properties with cat flaps to gain easy access when unsuspecting owners are out.

They use a wire to push keys out of locked doors and then slip their hands through the cat flap, grab the keys and then let themselves in.

Northenden resident Gill Kuldip, whose home has a cat flap despite the fact she doesn't have a cat, was a victim of an incident on July 26, sometime between 1.30am and 4am, when he was sleeping upstairs.

The crook used the cat flap to help get into the house, then pinched wallets, credit cards and cash.

Mt Kuldip said: "It was quite upsetting, and I haven't even got a cat, which is the ironic thing. The cat flap was there when I moved in. But I'm going to have to think about sealing it up now.

"People should be vigilant, as I know there has been a number of similar incidents around here recently."

Mark Flanagan, crime reduction advisor for Northenden said: "This type of crime is growing, with about eight incidents in the past two months. People need to be vigilant.

"Unfortunately burglars develop new ways of entering houses and the cat flap method is becoming increasingly popular among offenders. By following our simple advice residents can ensure they do not become a victim."

Police are urging residents not too leave keys in their back door.

Alternatively there are specialist cat flaps which are locked magnetically and within the cat's collar is an unlocking device.