This in from the police, in their own words, Ed
Police on the Isle of Wight are asking residents to take simple steps to protect their homes and property following a series of burglaries where opportunist criminals exploited insecure doors in the Ryde, Bembridge and Sandown area.
Officers are investigating seven reports over the past two weeks. In all cases, cash left in view was stolen.
Simple advice
You can protect your home and valuables by following these simple tips:
- Always lock the door and close the windows when you go out, even if you’ll only be out for a short time
- Exterior doors, front and back, should be kept in good condition and if possible be fitted with a five-lever mortice deadlock and bolts at the top and bottom
- Easily accessible upstairs windows, every downstairs window and those which can’t be seen from the street, should be fitted with key operated window locks
- High priced items such as jewellery, car keys and credit cards should be kept out of sight – Do not tempt the thief
- Sheds and garages are full of tools ideal for breaking into the rest of the house – Never leave a garage or garden shed unlocked
- Spare keys should never be left in a convenient hiding place such as under the door mat or in a flower pot – A thief will look there first
- Light up your house during the night. Fit low energy lights around your home. Thieves don’t like being seen and this will put offenders off
- Always draw your curtains at night and make sure valuable items cannot be easily seen from outside
- Mark all items with postcode and record serial numbers. e.g. UV pens or forensic marking kits. Register the details for free on www.immobilise.com
Get in touch
Anyone with information relating to these burglaries is asked to contact Detective Sergeant John Walton, from the Isle of Wight’s CID on 101, alternatively call Crimestoppers, the charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.
More crime prevention advice can be found on the constabulary website at www.hampshire.police.uk in the campaigns section under Safer Homes. You can also ask your local Safer Neighbourhoods team for advice – find them on the website by clicking the map or entering your postcode.
