Now that the clocks have gone back an hour and the darker evenings are upon us, here are some words of advice from Thames Valley Police to help with home security.
Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber is urging residents across the Thames Valley to take simple steps to help protect their homes from burglary. Matthew said: “Burglary remains low in Thames Valley; but every crime can have a devastating impact on families. Beyond the loss of property, it can leave people feeling unsafe in their own homes and communities, which is why preventing burglary and bringing offenders to justice remains a priority.
“Through targeted enforcement activity, neighbourhood policing and proactive crime prevention work, Thames Valley Police remains focused on identifying offenders, disrupting criminal activity and protecting local communities."
By taking a few practical precautions, you can help deter offenders and protect your property from becoming a target:
* Leave lights on when you’re not home to make it appear occupied
* Maintain your gardens so there’s no cover for a burglar to hide
* Ensure garages, sheds and other outbuildings are securely locked
* Cancel any regular deliveries if you are heading away
* Install outdoor sockets for any festive lighting, where possible rather than run cables through part-opened windows
* Avoid leaving packaging from expensive gifts visible outside your home
For more practical burglary prevention advice, please visit: https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/burglary
