South Wales Police advises residents to keep windows and doors locked during hot weather to avoid opportunity burglaries.
According to a recent crime prevention bulletin, SWP announced that there have recently been a number of burglaries where doors and window were left open or were unlocked. In two examples, car keys were taken and vehicles stolen.
Police urge residents to take simple crime prevention advice and ensure that all doors and windows are locked and secure. South Wales Police also asks that any suspicious incident or activity is reported.
Here are some tips on protecting your property (feel free to pass these tips on to your neighbours):
Close and lock your windows – especially overnight.
Close and lock your doors. It is also advised to ensure porches, conservatory and patio doors are locked.
Don’t leave your keys in the locks of your doors; these can be ‘fished out’ by talented burglars through the letter box. Don’t leave car keys, phones, wallets, purses or other valuable items on display.
Make a note of the serial numbers on valuables and consider UV property marking and registering them on immobilise.com
If you have an external light, ensure that it’s working. Burglars do not want to be seen!
Lock your garden gates to prevent easy access to your property.
Consider installing an alarm in your shed if you keep valuable items like bikes and lock these together and install a ground anchor so you are able to secure them.
If you have a burglar alarm, ensure that it is working & set it.
If you have CCTV, ensure that it is turned on and recording, in particular over the night time.
Be vigilant, please report any suspicious people or activity straight away so Police can conduct the necessary checks. Who knows, you may even prevent a burglary.
If you have any information that could assist Police, please contact 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.