keep your house secure as the evenings draw in

With many of us not returning home from work, college or shopping until it has got dark, thieves are identifying and targeting properties left in total darkness that are obviously unoccupied

Bracknell Borough & Wokingham District have seen a spike in the number of residential burglaries since the clocks went back. In a number of incidents the police enquiries have revealed CCTV that confirms offences are occurring during the dark evenings.

In the majority of burglaries the offenders have attacked a side or rear door, smashing through a window, or forcing the door lock in order to gain entry. Doors visible from the road or neighbours properties tend not to be attacked as offenders don’t want to be seen

In some of the recent burglaries the offenders have found keys for cars that had been left parked on the driveway and have proceeded to steal the vehicle as well as other valuables. It is recommended that spare sets of car keys are kept securely stored, and not just dropped in a drawer.

Houses left in darkness stand out during dark evenings, enabling burglars to easily see which houses are unoccupied. Here are a few things you might like to consider to reduce the chance of your home being targeted:

·        Lock doors, accessible windows and gates leading to your rear garden when you go out.

·        If you go away on holiday don’t post details on social networking websites. Arrange for a friend or neighbour to take in any parcels and to make sure papers and post aren’t left sticking out of your letter box, and if you have a burglar alarm make sure it is set before you leave.

·        Invest in a timer light switches to switch a lamp on in appropriate rooms, and vary the time they come on each day to make it look more natural. It can also be used with a radio or TV to give the impression that someone’s home.

·        Perhaps purchase a fake/ simulated TV device which lights up a room like a real TV

·        When you’re at home draw your curtains or blinds as soon as you need to turn interior lights on. Don’t allow a passing opportunist a clear view of your valuables and possessions.

·        Keep valuables out of sight and mark them with your home number and postcode.

·        Look out for your neighbours’ houses, especially when they’re not at home and call the police if you see anything suspicious on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Further crime reduction advice is available on the Thames Valley Police website www.thamesvalley.police.uk

If you are already looking out for your neighbours, you might like to make it more formal, and consider setting up a Neighbourhood Watch check out www.ourwatch.org.uk for more information.

Please feel free to share this advice with family, friends, neighbours or on social media.