BURGLARIES

This time of the year usually sees a rise in the number of burglaries and many of them are “sneak-ins” when the criminal just walks through an unlocked door. Some of these happen at night, which means people have even gone to bed without locking up.

Everybody enjoys the warmer weather the Spring and Summer brings. People are in and out of their homes more often and become more relaxed about locking up. That’s why criminals also look forward to the warmer weather. Police are trying to get across the message that you need to keep doors locked, even if you are in your house or flat, and downstairs windows should be kept shut.”

Tips to keep your home safe from burglars:

• Make sure that you lock all windows and doors.
• Never leave door keys outside under a doormat or plant pot.
• Don’t leave valuables in sight through windows where people can see them.
• Use time switches to give the impression that someone is at home.
• Make sure your house does not look deserted when you are away and if leaving the house ensure some curtains are closed.
• Security lights alert homeowners to any trespassers. Fit these at the front and rear of your property.
• Never leave an out going answering machine message indicating you are away from home.
• Ensure that your garden fence is well maintained and there are no gaps in it.
• Keep the garden gate to your garden locked easy access is what opportunists look for.
• Keep trees, hedges and shrubbery pruned this will allow neighbours and passers by to clearly see potential intruders near the house.
• Never leave garden sheds unlocked and always lock away garden tools.

Cheshire Constabulary Western Watch Office supports Home Watch Schemes across Chester, Ellesmere Port, Neston and Vale Royal, and is based in the Western Partnership Office, Northwich Police Station.

TO CONTACT THE POLICE CALL 0845 458 0000