Officers warn against "opportunistic thieves" as summer temperatures soar in Rotherham

South Yorkshire Police have offered seven crucial tips to keep safeSouth Yorkshire Police have offered seven crucial tips to keep safe
South Yorkshire Police have offered seven crucial tips to keep safe

POLICE are urging people to think about home security in a bid to stop burglars from taking advantage of the hot weather conditions. 

With temperatures over 30 degrees celsius across the UK, Rotherham North officers warned of an “increase in opportunistic thieves looking for their next target”.

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Det Chief Insp Jim Bateman, who leads on burglary, offered tips on keeping homes secure and preventing people being targeted by thieves. 

He said: “Unfortunately, better weather means more thieves out and about looking for an opportunity to break into your home. 

“We want everybody to be able to enjoy the sunshine and have fun, but we still need to be vigilant. 

“Please think about your home security if you are out, or even if you are just in the garden. 

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“It sounds simple, but when it's warm outside it is tempting to leave windows and doors open when you are in the garden and go out. 

“Please do not do this, it only takes a few seconds for an opportunistic thief to see the window or door open and get into your property.”

Det Chief Insp Jim Bateman added: “We know how devastating it is to be a victim of a burglary and it is a force priority to try and tackle this. 

“We are working on identifying hotspot areas and trends based on patterns we see from offenders. 

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“We can then use this information to deploy officers on regular patrols and provide prevention advice and support to local residents.”

SYP have issued the following top tips:

Close windows  - When you leave the house or even if you are in the garden. 

If you have locks make sure they are on, especially on downstairs windows. 

Lock doors – Remember if you are in the garden or upstairs, do not leave your front door unlocked. Thieves can be in and out of your house in minutes. 

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Secure your shed – If you have a shed or outhouse make sure it is locked at night. Use a coach bolt to secure hinges. 

Lock tools away – Remember to lock tools away, these can be stolen or used to force entry into your house. 

Don’t leave ladders lying round – Thieves can use these to access upstairs windows.

Going on holiday? Never advertise that your home is going to be empty on social media. 

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For more tips and advice on crime prevention, visit SYP’s website: https://tinyurl.com/2jmtarhv

If you have been a victim of a burglary please report it to us on 101 or through our online reporting on the website.