Hot Weather Means Easy Pickings For Burglars
WARNING to householders as weather continues to improve ? As temperatures continue to rise as we move into summer, the police are asking residents to be vigilant because burglars will be on the look-out for easy pickings.
In warmer weather there is always the temptation to leave windows open and let fresh air into your house. However, this can offer a perfect invitation for opportunist thieves and they can strike even when you are at home, either asleep, in the bath or in the driveway washing your car.
The warning comes after a number of burglaries across the region where thieves have gained entry to homes through insecure doors and windows.
Most burglars are opportunist thieves and break into people?s homes on the spur of the moment through unlocked doors and windows ? even if you are in the garden.
Before you turn in at night, make sure your home is secure. Keep doors locked and make sure you know where the keys are. Close and lock particularly ground foor windows or they could easily be targeted by opportunist thieves. Get a house alarm.
Burglary is frequently linked to drugs, so offenders are looking for a quick steal ? a laptop in full view in a house with the window open is just asking for trouble. Keeping curtains drawn is good for hiding your valuables and makes your property less of a target.
To avoid becoming a victim of the opportunist burglar follow these easy home security steps.
? Lock up – Make sure all doors and windows have locks and are kept locked when you are not in the room, overnight or if you leave the house. Burglaries often happen on the spur of the moment through unlocked doors and windows. An offender may try and keep you talking at the front door while the accomplice comes in through the back door. If you want doors or windows open during the day, fit chains on the doors and restrictors on the windows ? but keep your eyes and ears alert for any suspicious signs of intruder entry.
? Don?t show it off – Make sure your TV, computer, DVD player and other valuables such as purses and wallets cannot easily be seen from the window. Never leave laptops out ? they must always be locked away. Security mark all your property and display signs to say you have done this. Kits can easily be purchased and cost very little. Do not keep cash in the house.
? Keep keys safe – Don?t leave keys, especially car keys, lying around. Make sure they are in a safe place and out of sight of doors and windows ? burglars can ?fish? for keys through letterboxes, windows and cat-flaps etc.
? Are you insured? At least cover your most valuable items.
For more crime prevention advice, visit www.thamesvalley.police.uk/crime-reduction.
If you would like to speak to your local Crime Reduction Advisor please contact Thames Valley Police on 0845 8 505 505.
Photo: Courtesy of Cambridge Students Union
