Operation Hawk II – Preventing Burglary Offences

The local Police team has informed me that there has, unfortunately, been an increase in the rise of burglaries in the local area in recent weeks. It is important that we come together to ensure we are all doing our best to prevent further burglaries in the local area.

I am pleased with the pro-active approach from our local Police team to tackle this issue as well as the support the Police are receiving from local community groups, residents associations, neighbourhood forums, traders groups and faith institutions.

Please bear in mind the following tips:

Burglary Crime Prevention Advice

• Always lock doors and windows securely. Even if only going out for a few minutes.
• Keep valuables out of sight and ensure curtains are closed once it gets dark.
• Consider purchasing timer switches for your lights or leave a couple of bulbs on when heading out after dark.
• Install a burglar alarm as a visible deterrent.
• Ensure that sheds, garages and other out-buildings are securely locked.
• Cancel milk / newspaper deliveries if you are away from home for any considerable time.
• Never leave car keys or important documents near doors, letterboxes or windows.
• Always check before opening your door to strangers. If in doubt, keep them out.

Inside a burglars mind

• Burglars are usually opportunistic criminals that look out for insecure homes.
• A building that presents itself as unoccupied or insecure is far more likely to be targeted by a burglar than a home that is properly secured.
• Burglars usually break into homes which they believe offer the best opportunity to carry out their crime undetected.

Things a burglar may lookout for

• Ground floor windows left open.
• Side gates left open or insecure.
• Ladders left outside, allowing burglars possible access to otherwise inaccessible windows.
• Garden sheds left insecure.
• Easy access to garden tools that could be used to force entry into your home.
• Unlit houses with curtains open after dark.

Keeping your keys safe

• Never leave spare keys concealed near your door. Burglars know all of the hiding places.
• Prevent letterbox burglaries by storing house keys securely and away from doors.
• Never label your keys. If they were stolen or lost, a criminal could easily find your home and know which keys to use.

Make it look like you are at home

• Consider purchasing timer switches to turn lights on and off if you are not home.
• Encourage trusted neighbours to park their car on your drive if you are out.
• If heading out in the evening, make sure your curtains are closed and leave a light on.
• Ask trusted neighbours to remove any post or deliveries from your porch area if not at home.

Going on holiday?

• Cancel deliveries such as milk & newspapers.
• Arrange for trusted neighbours or family members to keep an eye on your home.
• Always remember to set your burglar alarm.
• If you have family members living nearby, give them a spare key and ask them to open / close curtains and put the light on regularly.

For daily updates from local officers, please join @brumpolice on twitter. www.twitter.com/brumpolice

You can view more home security advice online. www.safer-homes.org