Burglary Crime Prevention Advice

Officers are investigating several burglaries that have happened across the Humberside area recently.

We know that burglary is an incredibly intrusive crime, often leaving victims feeling scared and vulnerable in their own home.

Detective Sergeant Andy Bradley said: “In recent weeks we have had a number of burglaries reported to us and some of them where cars are stolen after the keys have been taken in house burglaries. 

“In many cases the only thing to have been stolen from inside the property are the car keys, which are then used to steal the cars from outside the premises. 

“Many burglaries happen between midnight and 4am when most car and homeowners are sound asleep in bed, but there are steps that you can take to protect your property. 

“Keep your car safe and secure ideally in a locked and alarmed garage. We would also recommend installing good quality CCTV and security lighting to your property as a deterrent to opportunistic burglars. 

“Always keep keys out of view of windows and ensure your doors and windows remains closed and locked when not in use. 

“If you see anything suspicious at all, anybody looking as though they are ‘scoping’ a property or a vehicle out, or anything out of the ordinary where you live, please contact us.

“As always if you have any information about these crimes, call us on our non-emergency 101 line, or 999 if you see a crime in progress, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Authorities are working hard to find those responsible and bring them to justice but would always remind people to follow some simple tips to keep their property and vehicles safe.

If you see anyone acting suspiciously call us on 101 or call 999 if a crime is in progress.

Always double check your car is physically secure and alarmed, especially when using keyless locking systems and keep keys out of sight inside your property; don’t leave near doors, windows or out on worktops.

General car crime prevention advice

If you have a garage, keep your car in it when it is not being used.

• If you don’t have a garage, park your car as close to your property as possible to make access difficult.
• Where possible, block your car in with another vehicle or a driveway parking post which would mean the vehicle couldn’t be driven away.
• Install CCTV and a motion sensor security light covering the area where your vehicle is kept, such as your driveway or the street outside your property.
• Check and make sure that no valuables are left in sight in the vehicle and keep the glove box empty where possible. Consider leaving it open to show there is nothing inside.

Keyless crime prevention advice

• Use a blocking pouch (Faraday Bag) for your key – make sure you store your spare key in one too
• Turn off keyless fob’s wireless signal – wireless signals on some keyless fobs can be switched off.
• Use a steering wheel lock or car alarm – most modern car thieves are equipped with laptops rather than hand tools, so mechanical devices – such as steering wheel locks – can be a real deterrent.
• Re-programme your keys – If you buy a second-hand vehicle, there is a risk that you may not be given all of the sets of car keys. Reprogramming your car keys can stop thieves using stolen keys

Read more advice on the Humberside Police website here 

Advice about home and car security can be found here