 Lock up your home securely before setting off on holiday – or risk returning to the heartbreak of a burgled house.
Hampshire Constabulary, working in partnership with Safer New Forest, has issued this stark warning to local people planning to leave their homes empty while they enjoy their summer holidays.
New Forest police have pledged to step up patrols and be on the lookout for suspicious activity – but they need householders to take action to prevent burglars from striking while their properties are unoccupied.
“There has been a recent rise in the number of burglaries at local properties where the occupants are on holiday or used as second homes,” said NFDC portfolio holder for crime and disorder, and chairman of the Safer New Forest Partnership Joint Action Group, Cllr Goff Beck.
“I would urge all householders to take extra security measures before they leave their homes unoccupied. Opportunity theft is very distressing for the victims and in many cases, break-ins could have prevented.”
New Forest Chief Inspector Gary Cooper said: “While burglary levels in the New Forest remain low, currently averaging less than one burglary each day, they often increase at certain times of the year. In particular, during the summer months when many homes are left unoccupied for longer periods of time.
“By adopting all, or even some, of the security measures mentioned here, householders can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a target for the opportunist thief, and ensure that their holiday leaves them with happy memories when they return home.”
The security measures recommended by Hampshire Constabulary, are:
• Make it difficult for intruders to gain access - lock your side gates to prevent entry to the back garden. Lock away all garden tools and ladders in the shed or garage. Keep hedges and shrubs trimmed to allow neighbours and passers-by to see the front of the house.
• Cancel your milk and newspaper deliveries and get a reliable neighbour to check that no parcels are left on your doorstep and that free newspapers and mail is not left sticking out of your letter box.
• Encourage a neighbour to park their car on your drive.
• Never leave a spare key concealed anywhere near the front door - burglars know all the hiding places. Prevent letterbox burglaries by storing keys away from the front door. Do not label your house keys in case they fall into the wrong hands.
• Try to keep valuables out of sight from windows. Consider a safe for your jewellery and cash – or leave valuables with a trusted family member.
• Make sure all windows and doors are securely locked. Fit your windows with locking catches. Front and back doors should be deadlocked.
• Set your burglar alarm. If you do not have an alarm, consider investing in a good security system. Some people may have a dummy alarm box, which would offer a limited deterrent to the opportunist thief.
• Make sure your belongings are property marked.
• Make it look as though your house is occupied - install timers which switch lights or radios on and off automatically. Curtains should be left open, unless a neighbour is willing to close them at night.
• Disconnect the telephone answering machine, or re-word your greeting message to give the impression that you are only temporarily unavailable.
• Check your insurance policy. Some insurance policies for contents don't cover you if you are away for more than 30 days.
|
