Warwickshire Police would like to remind householders of the following crime prevention advice to protect their property against burglary.

• Keep front, patio and back doors closed and locked when you are elsewhere in the house or the garden. This is of particular importance during mild and hot weather when there is a greater temptation to leave doors open.
• Ensure that all windows and external doors are not only closed but locked at night or when you are out of the house. Even a small window could provide a burglar with an opportunity to reach through and open a larger window to gain access.
• Remember to close downstairs windows when leaving a room, to deter the opportunist thief.
• Fit good locks to doors and use them.
• Have window locks fitted to older windows, a burglar is less likely to break in if they have to smash a window.
• Fit and use a door chain.
• Change locks when you move into a new home.
• Fit a good quality alarm from a reputable supplier.
• Do not hide spare keys; leave them with someone you trust. Burglars know where to look.
• Find out about property marking schemes such as Smartwater. www.smartwater.co.uk If an item is marked it will be much harder for a thief to sell on. Also, if recovered, stolen items can then be returned to their rightful owner.
• Install external lights. They will welcome genuine visitors and deter the criminal who wishes to work undetected.
• To give the impression that someone is in, set lights on a timer switch. A living room or a bedroom light will give the impression of occupancy; leaving only a hall or landing light on may not have the same effect.
• Don’t leave your curtains closed during the day.
• If timers are not available, leave a light on if going out at night, and draw curtains/blinds.
• Keep all keys away from windows and external doors so they are not visible/accessible to an opportunist thief.
• Leave a television or radio on to create the impression that someone is in.
• A visible burglar alarm can also act as an deterrent.
• If you see anyone acting suspiciously in your street, call the police.
• Look out for your neighbours’ property if they are away for a few days.
• Joining your local Neighbourhood Watch Scheme is good way to meet those living on your street.There are more than 4,300 Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators in Warwickshire who help to keep the local groups informed of criminal activity in the community, pass on crime prevention advice and help resolve local issues. Local members are encouraged to keep an eye on what's going and pass on details of suspicious activity. To find out details of schemes in Warwickshire, please click on the below link.

  Neighbourhood Watch County Contacts

Following this advice will help to protect your property from harm.

Crimestoppers

If you have any information relating to a crime, please call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit:

www.Crimestoppers-uk.org

Warwickshire Police

To report a crime to Warwickshire Police, please call 01926 415000. In an emergency, please dial 999.