With the weather being hot recently, many of us leave windows and doors open during the day, however if you are in the front of the house never leave a back door open and again if you’re at the rear of your home don’t leave a front door open and unattended. This is best to bear in mind when in the garden.
It only takes seconds for an opportunist thief to enter your home and steal anything left on display and unattended. It could be your wallet, door keys/ car keys or cash left on a table or even your laptop. Never leave car keys or valuables by doors or open windows.
Whenever you’re leaving your home, even for a short period of time make sure you have locked all doors and windows.
If you’re going on holiday only inform a trusted neighbour that you will be away or if you think your home is vulnerable contact your local neighbourhood police team and ask them to keep an eye on the property when on patrol in the village.
Never mention on social media sites that you are going away on holiday and when and how long for. Personally, I’m quite cautious of mentioning my holiday plans in public places such as public houses or busy shops. The old adage “walls have ears” is best to bear in mind.
Making your home appear to be occupied by timer lights and leaving a radio on can make a difference. If you’re going away on holiday then cancel milk and papers and place the waste bin in its usual position and not left by the road. Do not leave garden tools, ladders etcetera easily accessible in your garden, and make sure your shed is locked.
Always double lock your doors using the key and never leave your key hanging in the lock. I have seen examples of this practice when I’m out and about on patrol and it usually results in me alerting the surprised owner that they have left the key on display for any would be thief to take advantage of.
There are many ways you can make your home more secure. For example, by fixing a security sensor light that overlooks the driveway/entrance to the house or placing one so it overlooks the rear garden, Mortice locks for doors and windows. Even a gravel path can act as a deterrent to would be thieves as anyone approaching the house will be heard walking or driving on it. If you are thinking of installing a burglar alarm never install a dummy alarm. Experienced burglars can spot the difference between the fake and the real alarm.
If you have tendency to keep large amounts of cash in the home then place it in a safe that is hidden from view. Make sure any property within the home is marked with your postcode. Especially, televisions, laptops, computers and game consoles.
Diesel thefts from oil tanks are not uncommon and its best to try and hide the tank by growing foliage around it or fencing it off. Placing an alarmed padlock on the tank also acts as a deterrent.
If you see anyone is acting suspiciously or a vehicle that appears to be driving up and down the village with the occupants peering into properties then phone Thames Valley Police non emergency number 101. This also applies if you see a strange vehicle that has been parked outside or on a driveway of a home that you think is unoccupied. If you see or have reason to believe a burglary is in progress then please phone Thames Valley Police using the 999 emergency number.
Try and note descriptions of anyone acting suspiciously and the registration, make and colour of the vehicle seen if there is one.
Lastly, I hold regular ‘have your say’ meetings at the village hall in Upton so if anyone has any issues or would like further crime prevention advice then please pop in and have a chat. The next “Have your say” meeting will be held on the 28/09/13 at 15.00 hrs till 16.00 hrs.
PCSO Mike Clayden
Thames Valley Police,
Wantage Police Station,