LOCK IT - PROTECT IT: KEEP BURGLARS OUT THIS SUMMER
| Published: 22nd June 2007 12:43 |
BURGLARS seeking a summer of easy pickings in homes across Trent Valley are being given a stark warning - "stay out of our towns and villages."
The powerful message is being sent out by crime busting partners in Burton, Tamworth, Lichfield, Burntwood and Uttoxeter as they launch a summertime blitz on burglars.
Community safety partners want householders to remember to "lock it - protect it," to safeguard their property, whether they are on holiday, at home or simply out in the garden.
They will be distributing thousands of advice leaflets to homes and placing warning posters in the community as part of the three month campaign.
Neighbourhood police officers, PCSOs, council wardens, housing officers, fire and rescue staff and crime prevention experts will also be offering crime prevention advice and property marking kits to residents.
Meanwhile, police will be deploying additional officers into "hot spot" areas where they know homes could be fall prey to burglars and opportunist thieves as the summer draws on.
With warmer weather and long evenings, many people leave doors and windows open making it easier for thieves to get into their homes.
"Many people will leave doors and windows open when they are in the garden, having a barbecue or mowing the lawn," said Superintendent David Forrest of Trent Valley police.
"But opportunist thieves and burglars can sneak in unnoticed and be gone within seconds.
"We are urging people to be aware of the vulnerable parts of their property such as garden gates, windows and doors, and be aware of what thieves are looking for - handbags or laptop computers left in view of doors and windows are an obvious attraction," he explained.
He said holiday times were another opportunity for burglars to get into empty homes.
"If you are going away this summer, remember to cancel newspapers and milk. Tell your neighbours you are away and ask them to keep an eye on things.
"Try to make the house look lived in - use timer switches for lights and radios tuned to a "talk" station.
Police also recommend fitting a burglar alarm and ‘dusk to dawn' low sodium lights for outside.
Other simple crime beating measures to bear in mind include putting away your garden furniture when you're not using it - chairs and ladders can be used to gain access to windows and keep tools securely locked away.
"I'd also encourage people to mark their property - there are a number of ways to do this and security shops and DIY stores can supply what you need.
Alternatively call your local crime reduction officer on 08453 30 20 10 for advice."
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