DON'T LET THIEVES TURN YOUR SUMMER FUN INTO A WET WEEKEND


WITH the schools set to break up for the summer, Herts Police is reminding families and other residents to keep security in mind when out for some summer fun.

“When you head out for the day to enjoy the sunshine, just take a few moments to consider the security of your property,” commented Crime Reduction Manager Clive Matthews. “Don't give opportunistic thieves the chance – when leaving your home, check the doors and windows are shut and locked, and if you have a UPVC door ensure you lift the handle and use the key to double-lock it.

“When you arrive at your destination, make sure that nothing is on show in your vehicle and that anything valuable – like sat navs, laptops and mobile phones - is removed. Even if you know there's nothing valuable in your jacket left on the back seat, a passing thief may take the chance, leaving you with inconvenience and expense of repairs and replacements.”

Herts Police offers the following additional advice:

At home
- Car and house keys should be kept out of sight in a safe place. Don't leave them on display on window sills, in porches, hallways or kitchens.
- Secure your rear garden by shutting and locking any gates. Burglars use garden tools to break in, so make sure you securely lock away any tools after use.
- Remember to put your wheelie bin back after collection, and why not be a good neighbour - if they are out, help deter burglars and give their home the lived-in look by putting away their emptied rubbish bins.

In the car
- It might sound obvious, but make sure you lock the doors and shut the windows and sunroof whenever you leave your vehicle unattended.
- Remove your Sat Nav and its holder, and wipe away any suction marks as these could suggest to a potential thief that a Sat Nav is stored in your vehicle.
- Use an approved steering lock or gear clamp, and remember to set your immobiliser and alarm if you have them.
- Register your stereo, Sat Nav and any other property on the free online property database www.immobilise.com. It only takes a few minutes and could help police trace your property if it's lost or stolen.
- Look out for car parks with a Secured Car Park sign which have recognised levels of security.

For more advice, visit www.herts.police.uk.

July 2010