Summer burglary crime prevention advice

Security advice from Humberside Police:

As the weather begins to get warmer, we would like to remind people of the need to take precautions to secure their homes and property.

Burglary is an incredibly intrusive crime, often leaving victims feeling vulnerable in their own home.

As the warmer weather begins, we are all more inclined to leave windows and even doors open.

This can present thieves with an opportunity to commit crime, so we would advise closing and locking all doors and windows even when you are at home.

Help protect your home from burglary:

• Make sure your doors and windows are closed and locked when you’re not in the room. Nearly half of all burglaries are the result of a door or window being open
• During the warmer months, try to shut windows that could be accessible to opportunist thieves
• Make sure nothing of value (including car keys) is left on show to tempt thieves into your property
• Think about fitting a burglar alarm and security lighting – both to your home and outbuildings. It may be expensive, but they are very effective deterrents and can bring down your insurance costs
• Make sure sheds and garages have good quality lock and hinges. Consider fitting deterrents in the garden like movement-sensitive floodlights.
• Report any suspicious activity by calling 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
• If there is an emergency or a crime in progress dial 999
• To assist the police in recovering and returning stolen property, register your valuables on http://www.immobilise.com

If you are spending some time away from home, visiting family and friends or on holiday, don’t leave your house looking unoccupied:

• Leave curtains and blinds open – nothing reveals that a house is unoccupied so much as curtains drawn during the day
• Cancel any newspapers or other regular deliveries
• Don’t tell everyone you’re on holiday, avoid using social media to show what a great time you’re having!
• Ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your home and if they have a key to remove free newspapers and post from your doormat
• Install a light on a timer switch that comes on in the evening
• Keep valuables out of sight and don’t leave them where they can be seen through a window.

For more handy advice visit: https://www.humberside.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/

Call the police if you see something suspicious.  If there is a danger to life or a crime in progress, please always call 999 otherwise call the non-emergency number 101 to report any suspicious activity.