Police are urging residents in South West Newbury to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity in the area.
Local intelligence and information is vital in the fight against crime and can prevent a crime from taking place.
Burglary in South West Newbury has dropped by 20% in recent months compared with an increase of 44% between January and February this year.
Police operations have been taking place in the area over the last few months but to make sure that crime continues to fall police are asking residents to look out for any of the following:
•Anything that seems out of place or is occurring at an unusual time of day as this could be linked to criminal activity
•A stranger entering an unoccupied house
•People hanging around schools, car parks and secluded areas
•Someone tampering with a parked car
•Strangers in neighbours gardens or around garages
•Someone carrying property, especially if it is not in a box or packaging at an unusual hour or place
It is equally important that you keep your own property secure by ensuring that you always double lock your front door with a key and keep your keys safe and away from the front door but easily accessible in case of a fire.
Make sure the keys are always in the same place at night time and that all family members are aware of where they are.
With the summer months approaching make sure your windows are shut while you are out or in the garden.
Look at your home through a burglar’s eyes;
1. Are there places where they could break in without being seen? Trim back plants or hedges that a burglar could hide behind.
2. Are the doors and frames in good condition? Wooden doors should be solid and at least 44mm thick. Have you fitted strong locks on your doors and windows? If you have a UPVC door, always ensure that it is double-locked, even when you are in the house.
3. If you have a door leading from your garage to your house, is it an external quality door?
4. Have you properly secured it in three places?
5. Have you left tools or gardening equipment like spades lying around for someone to use to break into your house?
6. Keep your garage and shed locked with proper security locks, and keep tools secure and out of sight.
7. Don’t forget to properly mark your valuables, including bikes and tools.
More security advice can be found on the Thames Valley Police website at http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/crprev/crprev-home
So remember if you see anything suspicious or have any information about burglaries in your neighbourhood, please contact us via the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505, or you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
0 comments