A BURGLARY victim has spoken of the devastation of losing precious and valuable possessions as police launch a new crime crackdown.

Aysha Haswat, 22, of Audley, Blackburn, was burgled two years ago.

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She said: “I got a call from a neighbour saying our alarm was going off and, when I returned home, they had smashed in our back door.

“They ignored my laptop and television and went straight for our heirloom jewellery and cash, which was in a bedroom.

“A lot of the items were gold that my mother had received when getting married.

“The value ran into thousand of pounds. Ever since then we’ve never felt as safe in our home.

“Being burgled has a long-term effect after the event. I’d say make sure your valuables are as secure as you can make them and never leave cash around.”

Operation Julius will highlight the emotional devastation caused after a burglary.

Assistant chief constable Mark Bates said: “Burglary is not a crime against the property, but the person.

“It can have a truly devastating effect on how people feel in their own home, often leaving that person feeling vulnerable, scared and anxious. It can also have a profound impact on the local community.”

He said that more than one in three burglaries happened when property was left insecure.

He said: “During the summer months when the weather is nice, people are more inclined to take extra risks, by leaving a window open for instance.

“This campaign is about raising awareness of the impact that a burglary can have on the victims and making people think.”

Officers will be doing extra patrols and targeting known offenders.

Clive Grunshaw, police and crime commissioner, said: “Prevention is always better than cure and so I think it’s essential we inform residents of steps they can take to help stop them becoming a victim.”