Residents Advised To Lock Up After Spate Of Burglaries
| Published: 17th November 2008 10:42 |
EXTRA patrols are underway in the East Northants North area after a spate of burglaries.
Officers are also advising residents to make sure they lock their windows and doors in rooms they are not using both during the day and at night.
There have been 17 burglaries and attempted burglaries across the area - which includes places such as Oundle and Barnwell - since Wednesday 1 October. Twelve of these were dwelling burglaries and five at business premises.
Sergeant Kevin Wooldridge said: "In nine of these instances, the offenders have entered the properties through an insecure window or door.
"All of those nine incidents were preventable. It's extremely important that people lock all of their windows and doors during the afternoon and at night.
"One of the things the Safer Community Team will be doing is calling at homes were windows and doors have been left open, reminding residents to keep them closed if they are not using those rooms.
"We have also been visiting the victims and surrounding properties to give advice on crime prevention and to highlight that these crimes have happened."
After consultation with the local community, the East Northants North safer community team now has a new set of priorities. They are to tackle burglary, auto crime and anti-social behaviour across the area.
There have also been 12 incidents of auto crime across the area since October 1.
Sergeant Wooldridge said: "You can help to stop auto crime by never leaving anything in your vehicle.
"An offender is looking for easy pickings so let them see there is no point in breaking into your car."
Here is some simple crime prevention advice:
Before you go out or go to bed ask yourselves are my doors and windows closed and locked? Keep keys out of sight and not easily found. Lock sheds and out building, spades and garden tools are often used to force doors and windows. If you see a neighbour has left their house insecure, knock and tell them.
Here are some steps to reduce your risk of becoming an auto crime victim;
Never leave valuables in the car. Don't ‘hide' items in the boot or glove box. Never leave you vehicle unattended without locking it or with the engine running. Make it obvious there is nothing ‘hidden' in your car, leave the glove box open and boot cover off. Remove your stereo front if possible and your Satellite navigation equipment and take them with you
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