Warning after spate of burglaries.

Charnwood officers issue warning after spate of burglaries
Officers from Charnwood local policing unit are offering advice to local residents following a spate of burglaries throughout August.
In the past 11 days, since Sunday August 22, a total of 21 properties have been burgled. 19 out of the 21 properties, both houses and business premises, were in Birstall.
Police are offering members of the community some crime prevention advice in a bid to help prevent more of the burglaries from happening and to keep the locals feeling happy and safe.
Detective Sergeant Shael Marshall, an officer from the Charnwod area, said: “Since the reports came in to us we have increased patrols in the Birstall area and I hope that this will help to reassure members of the public that we are taking this seriously.
“Officers are fully aware of the current spate of burglaries and are working hard to find those responsible. But there are some precautions that can be taken by members of the public to also help prevent a burglary from happening.”
Officers from Charnwood are advising members of the public:
•When you go out, make sure you lock your doors (front and back) and close your windows, even if you are going out for a short time - in many burglaries it can take the thief just five minutes to break in, steal property and leave.
•Window locks are relatively inexpensive and when installed, especially on older windows, will help stop people getting in and can serve as a deterrent to any would-be burglar - they are less likely to break in if they have to smash a window.
•Deadlocks fitted to doors make it difficult for a thief to gain entry to your property and also make it harder for them to get out. If you have deadlocks installed, remember to use them but don't leave the key near the door or in an obvious place.
•'Hiding' spare keys outside your home is an open invitation to thieves, avoid leaving keys in an obvious place near doors or windows too.
•Televisions, stereos and other valuables are attractive to thieves especially if they are on view from the outside. Try to ensure that valuable items cannot be seen through windows from outside. And when buying new items like DVD players or video recorders, don't leave the empty boxes on display near your bins.
•Visible burglar alarms and security lighting is a good deterrent to potential thieves but it's courteous to your neighbours to ensure that alarms shut off after 20 minutes and that lights do not disturb.
•See who's at the door before you answer it by getting an inexpensive 'spy hole' fitted. A door chain will let you open the door a little way so you can talk to callers without letting them in.
Detective Sergeant Shael Marshall said: “If anyone has any information about the burglaries please call us, we are keen to hear anything you have.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact DS 1704 Shael Marshall on 0116 222 2222, follow the instructions to leave a message for an officer and when prompted key in his identification number 1704. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.
Issued on 02/09/10 at 12:02

(Copied from Leicestershire police website)
- posted by Anonymous on Monday, September 06, 2010

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