Keep the burglars at bay
| Published: 13th August 2008 00:00 |
Police across the South Western division - which covers the Basildon and Thurrock districts - are issuing a summer reminder to residents to keep their property secure.
Burglaries can show an increase at this time of year as, due to hotter weather, people are more inclined to leave windows and doors open, overnight as well as during the day.
Crime reduction officer for the Basildon district Mick Armstrong, is asking the public to take care.
"If you are enjoying a day's sunshine in the back garden, make sure you secure windows at the front of the property. If you leave your property at any time, even if you are just popping down the road, make sure you secure all windows and doors; it only takes thieves a matter of seconds to strike," said Mick.
"It is often common sense that can help tackle burglars. If you take away the opportunities for thieves, it is proven that this type of crime can be drastically cut." Sgt Holmes
Thinking about what you leave on display outside your house can also reduce the chance of becoming a victim of crime. By disposing of all packaging securely and not advertise the fact that you have a new electrical item by leaving branded boxes on the street for refuse collection, you wont be alerting burglars to the fact that you may have something worth stealing.
Neighbourhood Policing Team Sgt Graham Holmes and his colleagues have already been giving out crime prevention leaflets to residents in the Chafford Hundred area of the Thurrock district: "After a spate of burglaries at the beginning of the summer, the neighbourhood policing team have leaflet-dropped the area with crime prevention advice. So far, residents seem to be heeding the warning and there has been a significant drop in the number of reported incidents in the neighbourhood."
If you see anything suspicious in your area, please call 0300 333 4444 or call 999 in an emergency. You also can contact your local neighbourhood specialist officer for further information, or, for the Basildon district, crime reduction officer Mick Armstrong is available on 01268 244022.
By Laura Anderson
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