Lock your doors – even if you’re at home

Crime reduction officer PC Andy Robinson warned the Advertiser about a spate of walk-in burglaries which took place in the past week.

One home on Leybourne Road, Kimberworth Park was ransacked on Saturday night after occupants left their keys in the front door.

A house on Melton High Street, West Melton was burgled on Monday evening, when thieves entered through an unlocked door.

A Kimberworth Park home was raided during the same night. Thieves made off which a BMW worth £10,000 after taking keys from the Warren Drive home.

A motorbike was stolen from a house on Addison Square, Dinnington early on Tuesday morning, while occupants watched TV upstairs.

PC Robinson said: “All these offences may have been prevented if some simple rules had been followed.

“Firstly, before retiring to bed for the evening, ensure that the exterior doors to a property are locked and the windows in unoccupied rooms are closed and secured.”

“Never, at any time of day, leave car keys unattended and on show in an unoccupied room.

“And be sure to put the chain on your exterior door when you are at home, to prevent offenders sneaking in to one room whilst you are relaxing in another room.”

He urged anyone with information about the walk-in burglaries to call police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.