Secure your home this autumn

Dear Resident

We are reminding residents to make sure their homes are secure as burglaries tend to increase as we move into autumn.

There was a 25 per cent increase in burglary during August, compared to last year, with #Dacorum (31 offences), St Albans (29), Hertsmere (17) and Welwyn Hatfield (14) having the most offences.

At this time of year children and parents are heading back into school and work, meaning that homes are left empty during the days. The evenings are also getting darker earlier, which means more opportunities for burglars.

If your home is empty, even for short periods of time, giving your home a lived-in look by using timers on lights is a great way to deter burglars. Investing in doorbell and external Wi-Fi cameras is also a relatively cheap way to keep your home and valuables safe.

Detective Chief Inspector Luke Whinnett, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Local Policing Command, said: “Burglaries increased during August and we often see an increase once summer is over and homes are left empty during the day.

“If your home is left unoccupied burglars will look for tell-tale signs, like unopened letters at the front door, bins not put away or drawn curtains during the day. Making it appear that your home is occupied can be the most effective deterrent against burglary. Investing in a doorbell camera is also a great deterrent.”

There are many ways to give your home a ‘lived-in’ look when it’s unoccupied, so that any would-be criminals aren’t tempted:

• Close and lock all windows, doors and outbuildings.

• Use timers on lights so that they turn on as it gets dark in the evenings. You could also use a timer switch for a radio (always follow manufacturer's instructions).

• Installing a doorbell camera and internal/external Wi-Fi cameras, is a low-cost deterrent which will allow you to keep an eye on your home whilst you are away.

• Ask your neighbour to put your rubbish or recycling bins back if they’re being collected whilst you’re away – if they’re left out after collection day it could indicate to a passing thief that your house is unoccupied. Be a good neighbour and do the same for them.

• If you aren’t leaving your car at home, ask a neighbour/friend to park their car on your drive.

• Don’t forget to cancel deliveries of milk, newspapers etc.

• Consider moving enticing items, such as laptops and mobile devices, so that they are out of sight, or store them in the loft when you go away.

• Join our new community messaging platform Herts Connected at https://orlo.uk/O73ls where you will receive free local police messages. You can also choose to receive messages from Neighbourhood Watch, Action Fraud and the Police and Crime Commissioner if that’s what you select when you sign up.

You can find further advice on securing your home at www.herts.police.uk/protectyourhome.

Report info on burglary by:

• Filling out our online reporting form at https://orlo.uk/pCrUc

• Speaking to an operator in our Force Communications Room via online webchat at https://orlo.uk/Ftawr

• Calling our non-emergency telephone number 101 (in an emergency, always dial 999).

• Contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.