Don't fall victim to opportunist burglars.

Most burglars are opportunists and target homes and businesses that offer the least risk of being caught. You can greatly reduce your risk of burglary by taking a few simple security measures to help make your property less attractive to thieves.

Keep your home safe and secure:

•         Keep front and back doors locked, even when you’re at home.

•         Install a burglar alarm with a visible alarm box.

•         Keep all valuables and keys out of sight and out of reach of doors and windows.

•         Store high value items in a hidden safe.

•         Mark your belongings and register them for free with Immobilise: https://www.immobilise.com/

·         Don’t leave spare keys in obvious places such as under doormats or plant pots.

•         Keep items that could be used to break into your property such as ladders, tools and wheelie bins stored safely away.

•         Lock side gates to prevent easy access to the rear of the property.

•         Use pea shingle on driveways or under windows, as it crunches loudly when stepped on.

•         Trim overgrown hedges and plants to remove hiding places and improve surveillance.

•         Use a timer switch to make your house look occupied, even when it isn’t.

•         Consider joining or forming a Neighbourhood Watch scheme – details of how to do this here: https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/

·         Burglars often gain access to their victim’s homes through unsecured doors and windows. Making sure your doors are strong and secure, and that all windows are fitted with a lock is a simple way to prevent thieves gaining easy access to your home. You should ensure any lock fitted is certified by the British Standard Institute.

For more information on how to protect your home and belongings, please visit Thames Valley Police website: https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/