Burglary advice after rise in number of break-ins

Police said that taking precautions could cut the risk of being a crime statistic.

The tips and safety advice issued by police to help keep a home safe are:

• Make sure car keys and personal belongings are kept out of site and cannot be seen through doors and windows;
• Use security lights and timers during dark nights to keep a home well lit;
• Ensure all doors and windows are locked when a house is left empty and use alarms if installed;
• Make sure all locks are in good working order and cannot be tampered with;
• Don’t leave valuables in cars and vans — either take them when the vehicle is left or put them in a locked glove compartment;
• Lock garden gates and sheds, making sure all valuables are secured and out of view;
• Don’t leave a car unattended and running whilst defrosting on cold mornings.

Det Chief Insp Jade Brice, force lead for burglary, said: “Although there has been an increase in burglaries, we are currently investigating all of the incidents and have a number of lines of enquiry that we are following up.

“The advice we have issued is aimed to raise awareness and advice on how to keep your homes, cars and belongings safe. We do not want anyone to be a victim of burglary and I would urge everyone, where possible, to take all action to not make it easy for thieves.

“As a force we are committed to tackling burglary and will do everything within our power to keep all of our residents and their property safe.”

To report a burglary, or report anything suspicious, contact the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.