People are none too impressed with this, but do they have a point?
Police in Coventry have been criticised for a social media campaign in which they tweeted pictures of themselves inside unlocked, private property.
The #stoleninseconds campaign was aimed at reminding people to keep their property secure, and showed police officers inside hallways, standing by unlocked gates to communal areas, and one officer entering a home through a side or back door.
Many of the tweets have since been removed, although some remain, and these screenshots were taken by Independent.co.uk.
While the Twitter account has removed some of its posts – in the face of a public backlash against invasions of privacy – others remain.
We're still finding windows open, this resident has been advised and now has a secure property #thankfulresident pic.twitter.com/J5xtPoFgGw
— Coventry City Centre Police (@CoventryCityWMP) January 25, 2016
Please ensure you lock communal gates. This is unlocked & provides easy access to rear of houses pic.twitter.com/5pjTkxaQ86
— Coventry City Centre Police (@CoventryCityWMP) January 23, 2016
Coventry Police Chief Inspector Helen Kirkman said: “A significant proportion all burglaries in this area − in excess of 25 per cent − are ‘walk-in’ offences committed by opportunists taking advantage of properties left unsecure.
“Neighbourhood police teams have been on patrol to deter such offences, look for suspects, and to offer crime prevention advice to residents. If they find a door or window left open I think people would want officers to check everything is OK at that address and not to just walk on by.
“We have had very positive feedback from residents…they are grateful for officers pointing out what they’ve found and the advice they’re offered.
“We encourage our police teams to be proactive and creative in their use of social media to engage with the public and get messages across. We haven’t received any complaints from residents but obviously we will take on board social media comments.”
Some people have not been so happy with the police force’s tactics, however.
“Pretty sure ‘wandering in to make a point’ would receive a very dim view from the IPCC,” one person tweeted.
Another said: “If you enter my home like this, don’t be surprised if I use reasonable force when I hear you.”
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