Beat The Pre-Christmas Burglar

On 30/10/2007 At 12:00 am

AS the nights draw in, Thame’s Crime Reduction Advisor is offering advice to combat the increase in burglaries that often hits the area at this time of the year.
Lesley Nesbitt, who is based at Thame police station, gives the following advice: ?November is often the month when people start preparing for Christmas and getting those extra presents, storing them at home. In Thame last year we saw an increase in burglaries in November.
?Most burglaries are carried out by opportunist thieves. In two out of ten burglaries, they don?t even have to use excess force; they manage to get in through an open door or window.
?Reduce the risk of your home being burgled by making sure you take some simple and inexpensive precautions. Take action now and don?t become a victim of burglary over the coming months.?

Here is a security checklist:

? Fit 5 lever mortise deadlocks (BS3621) to all front and back doors and locks to all downstairs windows and windows which are easy to reach.
? Keep your house and car keys safe and away from doors and windows.
? If you have a burglar alarm make sure it is installed properly and works.
? When you are away from home, use timer switches to turn some lights or a radio on when it is dark.
? Don?t leave your Christmas presents on display in your home ? burglars like to do their window shopping.
? Cancel any milk or newspaper deliveries when you go away.
? Keep your garage and garden shed locked with proper security locks, and keep any tools secure and out of sight.
? Trim hedges and plants that a burglar could hide behind.
? Make sure you have up-to-date contents insurance.

There are a number of home security leaflets available from your local police station and if you would like to have a free security survey carried out at your home please call your local crime reduction officer via 08458 505 505.

If you have any information about any burglaries that occur in your area and you do not want to talk to the police you can call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111 and remain anonymous.