SNT Anti-Burglary Initiatives

Police initiatives by officers from Beddington North Safer Neighbourhoods Team have reduced the number of burglaries in their local area by more than 20% during the darker evenings.

Officers have been carrying out extra uniform and plain clothes patrols at key times and locations, particularly near homes which back onto alleyways large enough to be accessed by vehicles - alleyways which could be used by burglars when entering and exiting properties.

In addition, officers have been using their powers to stop individuals and question them about where they are going and what they are doing - and to search them when appropriate.

At the same time officers have been working closely with residents to encourage them to take a number of steps to secure their homes and discourage burglars, such as by having timer switches to turn on lights in different rooms at different times of the evening to make it look like the property is occupied when empty.

The dark evenings from November to January traditionally see a rise in the number of burglaries around the country.

Beddington North Sgt. Ashley Bennetts said he believes that burglars use the dark evenings as cover to try and break into homes, particularly those homes that are in darkness. “Beddington North SNT will be continuing these anti-burglary operations,” he said.

Police advice to residents includes:

·    Have timer switches to turn on lights in different rooms at different times of the evening

·    Make sure all windows are shut and locked when you are not at home

·    Install low energy security lighting

·    Fix an intruder alarm on the main property

·    Extend your alarm to your shed or garage or make sure these outbuildings are secure

·    Keep valuables out of sight, particularly car keys, cash, laptops, cameras, mobile phones and jewellery

·    Mark your valuables (using a UV market pen or register them at www.immobilise.com)

·    Report any suspicious behaviour to police immediately on 999.

PC Duncan Harris, Sutton Crime Prevention Officer, said: “Burglars are opportunists and will be looking for properties where the householders are not security conscious. Properties where simple security steps have been taken are far less likely to be targeted.”