Police Share Tips To Avoid Becoming Burglary Victim
As darker autumn evenings can make you more vulnerable
Police in Wandsworth are urging homeowners and tenants to take simple
steps to guard against the risk of being targeted by burglars.
As evenings get darker, burglars are on the prowl for valuables and cash,
recognising that homes tend to be getting ready for seasonal celebrations and
may have gifts and items around and on display.
During this period, properties remain in darkness for much longer periods
which make them easier to target, especially if there are no obvious signs there is anyone home.
Advice
* Close and lock all your doors and windows, even if you are only going out for
a few minutes.
* Make sure you do not leave your car keys, valuables or ID documents near a
door, letterbox or window.
* Leave some lights on if it will be dark before you get home
* Mark or etch your property with your postcode, house or flat number or the
first three letters of your house name.
A police spokesman said:
"Being burgled is a distressing experience and the memory of the offence can
have a lasting effect."The Met takes burglary seriously - we want people to feel safe in their homes
and in their communities and we committed to catching burglars and car
thieves. We will use all methods and technology available to us to do so.”
Wandsworth police said:
“We are also determined to raise people's awareness of security and help
stop burglary from happening in the first place. Burglary, on the whole, is an opportunist crime, with burglaries often resulting
from insecure premises.”
"A burglar will select their target because it offers them the best opportunity to
carry out their crime undetected and with the fewest number of obstacles in
their way. A building that presents itself as unoccupied and insecure is far
more likely to be targeted than one which is properly secured.”
"Don't let your home become a target. Help us to help you to protect your
home by taking simple steps such as using timers to turn lights and radios on;
fitting alarms; making sure homes are locked before going out and keeping
valuables out of view.”
| Ten top burglary crime prevention tips: 1 Mark or etch your property with your postcode, house or flat number or the first three letters of your house name. 2 Register items with a serial number at www.immobilise.com 3 Do not leave your car keys, valuables or ID documents near a door, letterbox or window. 4 Always check who's at the door and don't open it if you feel anxious. 5 Close and lock all your doors and windows, even if you are only going out for a few minutes. 6 Keep your valuables out of sight 7 Leave some lights on if it will be dark before you get home 8 Fit a mortice lock to your front door and other external doors. Consider installing a burglar alarm. 9 Always keep sheds and outbuildings locked 10 Cancel milk or other deliveries if you will be away for days or weeks at a time. |
For crime prevention tips and advice on how to make your home secure contact your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team.
October 3, 2012