Police are advising people to pay extra attention to home and vehicle security with the onset of the warm weather – often seen as an opportunist time for this type of crime.

“Most thefts are carried out by opportunist thieves”.

“The summer months can bring with them thieves on the lookout for lapses in security – such as doors and windows left open or property left on display at beauty spot car parks.

“People are advised to be aware and make use of simple crime prevention methods which deprive thieves of the opportunity to steal.”

Cheshire Police offers the following advice to residents:

Windows

– Always lock your windows when you leave the house.

– Remove the keys and keep them in a safe place. However, everyone should know where the keys are kept so they can escape in an emergency.

Doors

– Keep your front and back doors locked or in view when you are at home.

– Use or consider fitting a door chain and spy hole – a chain allows you to speak to the caller without opening the door fully and the spy hole allows you to see who is at the door.

– Fit five lever mortise locks to all external doors.

– Check your cylinder locks on patio/plastic doors and ensure they are snap and bump resistant – a local Master Locksmith can advise if you are not sure.

Keys

– Never leave a spare key in a convenient hiding place such as under the doormat, burglars know all the usual hiding places.

– Never leave your house or car keys in or near a door or window.

Attention should also be paid to the security of sheds and garages and to the property stored within.

Parked cars – especially those left in remote areas such as beauty spots – should be left locked and secure with no property left on display and satellite navigation devices, car audio equipment, cameras, handbags and laptops should be removed from the vehicle entirely.

People attending large scale events or out and about in busy areas should be mindful of thieves and keep handbags closed and mobile phones out of sight and kept securely on their person.

“Cheshire is an extremely safe place to live and your chances of being a victim of such crimes still remains extremely low, but you should look at your home through a thief’s eyes. Don’t become an easy target.

“We would also encourage people to be a good neighbour – If anyone is spotted acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood, call the police.”

Anyone with information about thieves operating in their area should contact Cheshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111