Wokingham

Police in Wokingham are urging residents to help them ‘Bolt out the Burglar’ by locking their front doors and windows.

Officers are increasingly concerned about poor home security which gives burglars an easy ride. One of the main problems has been reluctance by home-owners to lock their doors.

Wokingham LPA Commander, Ch Insp Tony Ismay, explained: “When we visit residents and ask them to lock their front doors a large number seem reluctant because they believe that could be dangerous in the event of a fire.

“However, the message we have received from the fire service is that there is no problem with locking the door as long as you know where the keys are and they are easily accessible in the event of an emergency.

“From a home security point of view locking your front door will dramatically reduce your chances of becoming a burglary victim. There has recently been a significant increase in the number of homes burgled and one of the main methods of gaining access to a property is through the front door letter box. Burglars simply use an implement to either hook keys left in or near the door out, or push the inside door handle down where the door has been left unlocked.”

Locking your door and removing the key makes it much harder for burglars to gain entry to peoples homes. Keys should either be kept securely out of sight or better still, take them upstairs with you when you retire for the evening. The same applies to handbags and mobile phones. Keep Wokingham safe.

“Help us to help you. Make your home as secure as possible or you could come down in the morning and find your property missing.”

Nicole Targett from the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “In addition to the home security advice they receive from police, householders should ensure they have working smoke detectors in their home and a fire escape plan for their property.

“Anyone who would like a free home fire safety check should call 0800 587 6679 to arrange a visit.”

Other burglary prevention tips from the police include:

• Don’t leave your house unattended with windows and doors unlocked even if it is ‘just for a minute’

• Don’t leave car keys near to front doors where they can be “fished” or “hooked” out through the letter box

• Remember to remove keys from locked windows and keep them out of sight.

• Spare keys should never be left in a convenient hiding place such as under the door mat or in a flower pot - a thief will look there first.

• Easily accessible upstairs windows, every downstairs window and those which can’t be seen from the street, should be fitted with key operated window locks.

• High priced items such as jewellery and credit cards should be kept out of sight - do not tempt the thief.

• Sheds and garages also contain expensive items and they too should be securely locked.
• Consider looking at your house through the burglar’s eyes; are there places where they could break in unseen?

• Light up your house during the night. Fit low energy lights around your home. Thieves don’t like being seen and this will put offenders off.

• Install the best security you can afford in order to delay or deter the criminal. They really do prefer an easy target.

Ch Insp Ismay added: “At the end of the day these are sensible and simple steps which take a matter of minutes to do. The alternative is the risk of becoming a burglary victim.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Wokingham