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I wanted to provide you with an update regarding burglary, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey. Burglars are often opportunistic thieves who prey on houses and flats. They seek out any opening that they can take advantage of, specifically doors and windows that are left open or unlocked or are easy to force. Anything of value that they might spot through a window will only spur them on. But it really doesn’t take much to deter these thieves – just smart thinking.
Burglar facts
Burglars target homes that they think will contain valuables. A sure giveaway is leaving packaging from expensive items outside your front door.
Burglars often look for homes with windows or doors left open or with vulnerable features that they can exploit.
Burglars are aware of the times when someone is expected to be away from their house such as during the school run or holidays.
Burglars typically do not want to be seen or heard and if they feel that they would be noticed by a neighbour or passer-by then they are more likely to feel exposed and may move on to find somewhere else to burgle.
Burglars often choose a home because they’ve spotted a specific vehicle, motorcycle or bicycle they want to steal – and the keys are more than likely to be inside the residence.
Sheds and garages are often vulnerable as they are not that secure and contain tools which the burglar can use to assist them to gain entry to a home.
It’s a fact that many burglars return to homes that they’ve previously burgled because the homeowner failed to upgrade security following the first burglary. They sometimes return to an area to try to burgle a nearby home that they spotted while committing a previous break in.
Even more reason for you to ensure you keep your home as safe as houses.
 While we will continue to pursue burglars in the area, there are steps you can do to help keep your property safe. Make sure that you: Double lock your door every time you leave the house If you can, move garden furniture or bins away from windows so that thieves cannot use them to gain access. Use laminated glass or security film on ground floor and accessible windows. Use a sash stop if you have sash windows to prevent people opening them enough to climb through. If your windows open outwards, use a key operated lock – check these are locked before leaving the house. Make sure all valuables are out of sight. Keep handbags and keys away from letterboxes or cat flaps. In the evening shut the curtains and leave lights on. Set your burglar alarm Lock your shed or garage Mark, register or record your valuables.
Please go to our website to find the latest advice and guidance on keeping yourself safe. If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.met.police.uk/, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. Get Involved Please consider getting involved and contribute to the local priority survey, we may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on. Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 
Please click here to complete the survey
We are working on our brand-new strategy for how we police London and we want your help. Our New Met for London: Phase 2 strategy will guide how we deliver on behalf of Londoners over the next three years, and we want to make sure you have had the chance to have your say. The consultation paper is available online, as well as a survey to let us know what you think. This closes on the 15 September. | 
