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DEAR RESIDENTS: We have received a number of reports recently around burglaries in your local neighbourhood. Here are some burglary facts, tips and advice on how to keep yourself and your homes safe. BURGLAR FACTS Burglars target homes that they think will contain valuables. A sure giveaway is leaving packaging from expensive items outside your front doorBurglars 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 passerby 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 residenceSheds 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 homeIt’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 BURGLARY ADVICE Protect your home against opportunist burglars by remembering to ‘lock up’ and check on your neighbours. Dark evenings can provide perfect cover for burglars who can easily spot an open window in an unoccupied room, see your valuables through open curtains or blinds, or try their luck with an unlocked door while you are distracted by fireworks. Criminals will use the cover of darkness to act. Most burglaries happen through insecure doors and windows, so where you can close them, and lock them even when you’re in. If you have elderly or vulnerable neighbours, ask them if they would like some help with their home security. Remember to lock your outside gates to your garden, as this gives the criminals an easy opportunity to gain access to your property. Here are some key steps you can take to protect yourself: Home security: Here are some crime prevention tips to help keep your property safe: Try to make your house look as occupied as possible when you are not there. Use timer switches for lights: Set indoor lights on timers to make it look like someone is home, even if you’re out. Do not leave your house and vehicle keys in the lock or on a side table in view of a window.Do not leave items in open porches that could be used to enter your home, for example, curved-handled umbrellas to open doors or keys through letterboxesAlways lock your windows and doors when you are in. If you have UPVC front doors take extra care to lock these as soon as you get into your property.Cancel newspapers and milk if you are going away for a few days and ask a trusted friend or neighbour to keep an eye on your property. They can help by pushing post sticking out of the letterbox inside fully, or checking garden gates are shut.If you have high value items such as jewellery, watches, passports, credit cards, computer data and identification documents, you may want to consider storing them in a safe.Activate house alarms: If you have an alarm system, ensure its activated when you leave and use any zonal functions during the night. Consider smart lighting: Motion-sensitive outdoor lights can help deter burglars by lighting up when someone approaches your property. If you see anything or anyone acting suspicious, you can report this via 101 or on our online chat on our website. | 
