A NUMBER of burglaries across Worcestershire have prompted police to issue advice to help people keep their properties safe from thieves.
Residents are being urged not to leave doors and windows open to opportunist burglars.
People should lock windows and doors (including garage doors) when they leave their properties unattended, ensure ladders are locked away and trees and bushes in lines of sight from windows should be trimmed back.
Around the perimeter of the property, prickly hedges and roses can be grown as ‘defensive’ plants to prevent easy access.
Security lights can be installed by front and back doors, along with alarm systems and CCTV.
Valuables should be kept out of sight so they are not visible from doors or windows and wheeled bins and tools should also be locked away as they can be used for access. Likewise, debris such as bricks or slabs should be cleared as thieves can use them to break windows.
Sheds and outbuildings should be locked – and alarms should be fitted where possible – and property should be marked with SmartWater so if items are stolen and then recovered, they can be returned.
And people should join their local Neighbourhood Watch scheme if they have one.
Det Con Jodi Lothian said officers were working hard to find those responsible for the recent burglaries and bring them to justice.
“Many of the tips given are inexpensive to adopt and just good habits to get into.
“As a force we work tirelessly to keep members of our community safe.”
As part of the force’s ‘We Don’t Buy Crime’ scheme, officers liaise with second-hand shops and petrol stations and use covert tactics to tackle the harm associated with crimes such as burglary and the exploitation of vulnerable people.
Anyone with information on burglaries or anyone offered valuables or other items in suspicious circumstances should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Visit securedbydesign.com – an official police security system – for more on securing properties.
