Homes in Bembridge, Sandown, Ryde, and East Cowes were targeted by thieves at the weekend, so the Police are recommending that all residents on the Wight take simple security precautions.
The message is especially relevant for this time of year, when many presents have already been bought and placed around the Christmas tree.
We’re informed that of the six break-ins, four of the addresses had some kind of insecurities that might have helped burglars to gain access.
East Wight Safer Neighbourhoods Inspector Bill Pinnell said:
“Although we believe none of the six burglaries reported at the weekend are directly connected, we are reminding householders not to gift easy opportunities to criminals in the run-up to Christmas.
“Often, the simplest measures can be the most effective in making life difficult for burglars and potential thieves.
“I’m asking residents to double check doors and windows are locked properly, and valuable items are not left in places where they can be seen easily from outside.
“The risk of being burgled here is small, with less than one house burglary per day on the island between September 2007 and September 2008. Nevertheless, we are reminding Islanders not to be complacent at this time of year when many of us are storing Christmas presents at home.
“Officers from the Island’s dedicated Safer Neighbourhoods Teams are patrolling residential and shopping areas during December to provide crime prevention advice and technology, and deter and catch criminals who have the potential to spoil Christmas for the law-abiding majority.”
Anyone with information about specific burglaries is asked to contact detectives at Newport CID on 0845 045 45 45, or call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Image: Liz Jones
