Keep Wokingham burglars out this summer
In about a quarter of break-ins, particularly those that take place in the summer, entry is gained through insecure doors and windows, particularly at the rear. Thieves are experts at identifying homes that are in some way vulnerable and a burglary can be committed in a just few minutes. When going away on holiday, many householders leave telltale signs that the home is temporarily unoccupied, but these can be easily avoided by following these guidelines:
· Set your domestic alarm (if you have one) and give the monitoring station details of the key holder
· Ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your home. For example, ask them to collect your mail or make sure it is pushed through your letterbox. If possible ask them to open and close your curtains and switch lights on occasionally to give the appearance somebody is home. They may even be able to park in your driveway on occasion
· Hide away any financial documents and keys
· Make sure all windows and doors are locked
· Remember to cancel your milk and newspaper deliveries and make use of the Royal Mail’s letter and parcel holding service
· If you want to put identification on your suitcase, do so inside so it is not generally visible.
· Operate a timer switch for lights and possibly a radio or TV
· Make sure no ladders or other equipment that could help burglars are within view or easy reach
· Even cutting the lawn just before you go away can help make it look less obvious that the house is empty
· Lock all jewellery safely away and do not leave cash in the house
Carol-Anne Jennings, community safety officer for crime reduction at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “Residents can take simple steps to avoid becoming a victim of these opportunist thieves. Home security advice is available from the police’s Crime Reduction Officers. We would also strongly recommend that residents join their local Neighbourhood Watch Scheme or, if they don’t have one, getting together and setting one up.”
Wokingham Borough Council
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