Police remind public to close their doors and windows before going on holiday
22 July 2010 12:17
Police remind public to close their doors and windows before going on holiday
Officers are urging holidaymakers to take some basic security steps to help protect their homes from burglars whilst they are away.
The reminder follows an incident in Warwickshire where a family left their windows open while they were away on holiday and returned to find they had been burgled.
DS Martyn Stephens said “We would like to reassure residents that we are doing everything we can to arrest and charge anyone we suspect may be involved in burgling homes in Warwickshire. This is already reflected in our latest statistics that show that burglary is down 27.1% in Warwickshire when compared to the same period last year. This means that 530 fewer homes have been burgled in the county since 1 April this year.
“Please take a moment to imagine how stressful and upsetting it is for people to return home from a relaxing holiday to find their home has been targeted by a thief.
“Please don't let this happen to you. Make friends with your neighbours and ask them to keep an eye on your home while you are away. Ask them to call the police if they notice any suspicious activity around a property.
Police also offer the following advice:
* Make sure your home looks occupied - don’t close your curtains as this is a give away that there is no one at home.
* Invest in timer switches for lamps around your home, so they come on and go off during the evening.
* Don’t leave valuable items where they can be seen by anyone passing by or going up to look through the window.
* Mark your property with your post code using Smartwater or other “invisible” anti-theft identification systems such as ultra-violent pens. Place a notice clearly in a window stating your property is marked to deter burglars.
* Cancel newspaper deliveries before you go away, and arrange for a friend or neighbour to keep an eye on your property and check that mail delivered to the house is not left lying on the mat inside - especially if you have a glass door.
* Lock all doors and windows and if you have a burglar alarm make sure you use it.
* Cut the lawns before you go away and arrange for your friend or neighbour to cut the lawn again if you are away for a fortnight or longer. You can always return the favour when they go away.
* If there is a local neighborhood watch scheme running in your area join it.
Detective Sergeant Martyn Stephens, from the Warwickshire Police Community Protection Unit said:
“Opportunist burglars will be keeping an eye open for tell tale signs that there is no one at home. The more you can do to ensure that your home does not look as if it is empty the better.”
Police would like to urge anyone who has any information about a crime or who see anyone acting suspiciously to call Warwickshire Police on 01926 415000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Hazel Nicholas
