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WARMER WEATHER HOME SECURITY ADVICE
AN OPEN window or unlocked door can be an open invitation
to burglars, police are advising as the weather warms up.
Detective Chief Inspector Trevor Rodenhurst, from Hertfordshire
Constabulary's Local Policing Command, said: “As the weather
improves, people tend to leave windows open more often,
making their homes a more attractive target for opportunistic
burglars. We know that burglars prefer to use little force
to break into a property so simply locking up could deter
them and help keep your possessions safe.”
He added: “We are working hard to prevent criminals from
committing crime in Hertfordshire and those who do should
be aware that we will do everything in our power to identify
them and bring them to justice.
“Residents can help us by securing their homes and vehicles
and letting us know about suspicious behaviour in their
street. Please look out on behalf of your neighbours too
– and pass our prevention advice on to them.”
For comprehensive crime prevention advice visit our website
at www.herts.police.uk or contact your local Crime Prevention
Officer on 0845 33 00 222. You can also use this non-emergency
number to report suspicious activity, or call Crimestoppers
anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A few simple steps will help reduce the risk of crime. These
include keeping windows closed, preferably locked, and doors
securely locked, particularly uPVC doors which must be locked
with a key as they are not properly secured just by lifting
the handle.
Police also advise householders who have gardens not to
leave garden tools out after using them but to lock them
away and make sure their outbuildings are secure – burglars
could use tools left around to help them break into a property
and will also steal items from sheds or garages, as well
as homes.
During hot spells, when you may need to have a window open
at night, use windows that are not easily accessible from
outside. Keep downstairs windows and windows above flat
roofs closed or locked.
Trevor also recommends joining or starting up a Neighbourhood
Watch. Watch schemes can reduce the risk of crime, deterring
criminals and bringing communities together. Find out if
there is a scheme where you live, and more about Neighbourhood
Watch, at www.owl.co.uk
Police also want to remind drivers not to leave anything
of value in their vehicle when leaving it parked, especially
on days out.
Trevor said: “We don't want thieves to have any opportunity.
If you leave nothing in your car or van, there is no reason
for anyone to break in.”
• Don't leave anything on show in your car - even if you
know the bag on the front seat is empty, a thief may still
try their luck, leaving you with a broken window to deal
with.
• If you must leave property in your vehicle, lock it out
of sight, preferably in the boot and ensure no one sees
you hiding it away.
• Remove your Sat Nav and its holder - don't leave it in
the glove box as that's the first place a thief will look
- and make sure you wipe away any suction marks so there
is no sign a sat nav might be in the vehicle.
• It may sound obvious, but remember to shut your windows
and sunroof.
• Set your immobiliser and alarm if you have one fitted.
June 2010
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