KEEP YOUR WINDOWS AND DOORS SECURE - DACORUM


POLICE are urging people not to make it easy for burglars following a number of incidents in Hemel Hempstead recently where offenders have gained entry to properties through insecure windows and doors.

Incidents include the following:

• Heath Lane between 10.15am and 3.15pm on Tuesday, June 15. A lap top, television and jewellery were taken.
• Fairway Court between 10pm on Tuesday, June 15, and 5.10am on Wednesday, June 16. Car keys and car (a Mercedes Benz), television, mobile phone and cash were taken.
• Bracknell Place between 10.30pm on Wednesday, June 16, and 4am on Thursday, June 17. A handbag, cash and a digital camera were taken.
• Thatchers Croft between 10.45pm on Wednesday, June 16, and 7.30am on Thursday, June 17. Nothing taken.
• Crawley Drive between midnight and 7am on Wednesday, June 17. A mobile phone and car keys were taken.
• The Bounce between 10.15pm on Wednesday, June 16 and 6.10am on Thursday, June 17. Car keys, handbag and credit cards were taken.

If anyone has any information about these incidents or saw any suspicious behaviour in the areas please call police on 0845 33 00 222.

Residents can help to reduce their chances of becoming a victim of burglary by taking note of the following advice:

• Make sure you double-lock any UPVC doors by lifting the handle and locking it (to engage the security features) before you go to bed or leave your home (if you remove the key make sure you have a fire escape plan).
• Check all doors are locked and all windows, including those upstairs, are secure before you go out
• Consider installing alarms and ‘dusk to dawn' security lighting
• Secure your rear garden - lock your shed, shut and lock any gates and keep fences maintained. Don't leave ladders and tools outside - they could be used by a burglar
• Use timer switches on lamps to give the impression somebody is at home
• At home, keep all loose valuables out of sight of any would-be thieves.
• Don't leave any boxes which advertise to thieves what's available in your home outside by the dustbin. Where possible, keep your wheelie bin a good distance behind the gate or fence to prevent them being used to get into the garden.
• Post code marking your valuables with a UV pen and registering them on a free property database like www.immobilise.com can work as a deterrent to thieves and can increase the chances of your property being recovered if it is stolen.

Tony Carrington, 19, of no fixed abode, was arrested in connection with the burglary at Fairway Court and has been charged. He appeared at court yesterday (Thursday, June 17).

June 2010