Bottesford NHW Alert: Thefts and Burglaries in this Area

Please be aware that burglaries of properties and thefts from outbuildings are occurring in our area. In some cases valuables are being accessed through insecure doors and windows i.e they have been left unlocked. Please don't be complacent about this threat. Complacency is the criminals best friend and easy pickings will only encourage them to come back again and again increasing the misery for all.  Remember that crime cannot thrive in a community that cares. Take extra care to secure your valuables and if you see anything suspicious report it to the police - see below.

 

Leicestershire NHW have recently issued the following advice which in the circumstances seems very timely:

 

"As the summer holidays are fast approaching, many of us are thinking of going away. It is important for local residents to ensure preventative measures are taken to deter opportunist burglars.

Break-ins are likely to take place in the spring and summer months, by opportunist burglars looking for insecure windows and doors, so leaving your doors unlocked, even while you’re in the garden or upstairs, is taking a risk. The most important thing is that you lock your doors and don’t become complacent. It only takes a second for someone to get into your home and take things without you noticing.

If you are planning to go on holiday, you can help protect yourself from becoming a victim of burglary, by following these simple steps:

• Ensure that your house looks occupied.
   
• Ask a trusted neighbour to open and close your curtains for you.
   
• Secure garden boundaries.
   
• Do not leave valuables on display in front of windows
   
• Ask a neighbour if they don't mind parking their car on your driveway and trimming your garden lawn  to make your home look occupied.
   
• Consider fitting outside security lighting or a visible alarm to help deter burglars.
   
• Before leaving, check the garden for any insecure tools or ladders.
   
• Use timers for lights to come on late evening.
   
• Cut the front and back lawns before you go away and trim any plants that burglars could hide behind.
   
• Cancel milk and newspaper deliveries.
   
• Before your holiday, don’t advertise that you are going away on social media websites 

• Register for the Royal Mail 'Keepsafe' service

If you see anyone acting suspiciously around a property, please contact the police via the 101 non emergency number or if a crime is in progress dial 999.

If you don't want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity  Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.  No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court."

 

John Shilton

Principal Coordinator

Bottesford Parish Neighbourhood Watch

 

Email: JohnS@BottesfordParishNHW.org.uk

 

Mob: 0772 5636626

 

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