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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. Just to make you aware, there has been few Burglary's on Valley Ward for the past month or so and Intel lead, Valley Team Officers are conducting reassurance foot patrols and giving out Crime Prevention advice. Also engaging with our local residents on the Ward, we spoke about Met Engage and how the Met Engage app was going to be able to assist the public in contacting their local (SNT) Safer Neigbourhood Team , making it easier to contact us about concerns they may have. Please remember, as the days are getting shorter and darker-Even when you're just popping out, always lock doors and windows. Opportunistic burglars often look for easy access.
✅ Use timer switches for lights when you're away
✅ Keep valuables out of sight
Let’s work together to keep The Valley Ward safe and secure!
To prevent burglary, secure your home by installing strong locks and alarms, keeping windows shut and locked, and using timers for lights to create the illusion of occupancy. Deter potential burglars by ensuring your property is well-lit, not leaving valuables visible from windows, and making sure your home looks occupied when you are away.
Secure your home's physical barriers
Doors: Use strong, secure doors with British Standard approved locks and deadlocks.
Don't forget to secure garage and garden shed doors.
Windows: Keep all windows, especially those on the ground floor, closed and locked, particularly when you are sleeping or away. Use rods or pins to secure sliding doors and windows.
Keys: Never hide spare keys in obvious places like under the doormat or in a flowerpot.
Deter burglars with visibility and lighting
Exterior lighting: Install motion-sensor lights or timers for outside lights to make it harder for burglars to approach unnoticed.
Interior lighting: Use timers or smart bulbs for lights inside to create the impression that someone is home, even when you are out.
Visibility: Keep valuable items out of sight from windows and avoid leaving high-value goods in display windows. Trim overgrown bushes or trees that could provide cover for intruders.
Use technology and community to your advantage
Security systems: Install and activate a monitored alarm system.
CCTV: Visible CCTV cameras can be a powerful deterrent. Ensure they cover vulnerable areas.
Neighbourhood watch: Get to know your neighbors and participate in a neighborhood watch program. Neighbors looking out for each other is a very effective deterrent.
Social media: Avoid posting about being away from home on social media, as this can inform potential burglars when your house is empty.
Additional tips
Mark property: Mark your valuable property. This can deter thieves and help police identify and return stolen goods if they are recovered.
Be cautious: Be careful about who you let into your home. If someone claims to be from a utility company, verify their identity with the company directly, using a number from a phone book or their official website, not the number on the ID card.
Check your surroundings: Stay aware of recent crime trends in your area to take appropriate precautions.
 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
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