I read with interest editor Ian Murray’s opinion piece on page 26 of the Southern Daily Echo today.
I’d like to make clear that the video we released of three-time burglary victim Margaret Gordon earlier this week was not a witness appeal regarding the loss of teddy bears as Mr Murray erroneously suggests, but part of an ongoing crime prevention campaign guarding against burglary.
In the video the lady in question was in fact sharing her own experience of the harrowing effects three burglaries have had on a her sense of safety in her own home. Margaret was also good enough to warn others how easily it could happen to them. This video was accompanied by a press release to media clarifying details of the incident to which Margaret refers and naturally, we took the opportunity to appeal for witnesses.
The video, prepared in just over an hour by one media relations officer and another media production officer in their own time, was to highlight Hampshire Constabulary’s ongoing burglary campaign Operation Nemesis. The photographs taken of Margaret Gordon were also taken in our media officer’s own time.
As the editor of Southampton’s daily newspaper, Mr Murray should also know that the force has several media offices across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and while our headquarters office is co-ordinating Operation Nemesis, our Southampton one dealt with the witness appeal for the serious assault. It was never a matter of prioritising the theft of a teddy bear over someone’s personal safety.
While some may be keen to mock the loss of Margaret’s bears in one of three burglaries, it’s important to note that no matter what is stolen in burglary, whether it’s priceless antiques or treasured sentimental items, this crime is a despicable act that leaves lasting emotional scars.
We will continue to strive to bring those who invade people’s homes to justice and we thank people like Margaret for their assistance and support.
Detective Chief Insp Alison Scott
Operation Nemesis project support
