27
Aug
2013
By Calvin at 09:09 GMT, 12 years ago
Police in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire are warning local residents to ensure their windows are closed when they leave the house and at night, following a number of burglaries in Cheshunt and Waltham Cross where entry was gained through insecure windows.
Six burglaries have taken place since the beginning of the month, where the offenders were able to enter the house via open windows.
Here are four of the incidents
• An offender was disturbed by a dog whilst trying to climb through a window of a property in Lodge Crescent at 2.30am on Monday 19 August. (Crime reference K2/13/2710)
• An offender was disturbed trying to climb through a bedroom window in Friends Avenue at around 12.30am on Sunday 11 August. (Crime reference K2/13/2720)
• Keys and electrical goods were stolen from a house in Royal Avenue after the offender climbed through a conservatory window between 12.30am and 6am on Tuesday 20 August. (Crime reference K2/13/2735)
• Cash was stolen from a property in Groom Road after gaining access through a living room window at around 1am on Sunday 18 August. (Crime reference K1/13/1665)
Detective Inspector Jonathan Dick said: “The offender or offenders are clearly targeting properties with insecure windows. Whilst we are working to determine who is responsible for these crimes I’d ask people to be aware and take extra precautions.
“I know it can be tempting to leave windows open during the summer, particularly in warmer weather, however I would urge people to make a habit of checking that windows and doors are closed and locked when you leave the house or go to bed.
“People must remember that PVCu doors must be locked by lifting the handle and using the key to ensure all the security features are in place.”
For more home security advice visit www.herts.police.uk and further pages on this website (see below) or contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team on the non-emergency number 101.
TCPW Comment:
So what do you do on a very hot night when you want some fresh air to help you sleep, but don’t want chummy climbing in through the window?
Windows that are particularly at risk are obviously those on the ground floor, but include windows on the floors above, which can be climbed to via a porch or other roofed extension, and particularly those next to flat roofs. Windows close to soil and rainwater pipes and next to tree branches and wall climbing shrubs are also vulnerable.
If you live in a bungalow or otherwise sleep downstairs or you have a a vulnerable window as described above and you like to have the window open you should consider having a metal security grille fitted over the opening light or even have some collapsible gates fitted across the entire window. This practice is much more common than you might imagine and, in fact, security grilles have been used like this for hundreds of years.
If you’re going to do this you must think carefully about your fire safety. Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working, close internal doors at night and ensure that you and the family and guests are familiar with the fire escape plan for your home.
So, you don’t have to starve yourself of oxygen at night, providing you have taken the right precautions
Take a look at these sections on The Crime Prevention Website to see what you can do.
BUT make sure your windows are all closed and locked when you leave the dwelling unoccupied.
Window Security: http://thecrimepreventionwebsite.com/door-security-window-security-glazing-grilles-and-shutters/478/window-security/
Security Shutters and Grilles: http://thecrimepreventionwebsite.com/door-security-window-security-glazing-grilles-and-shutters/482/security-shutters-grilles-and-door-gates/
You know it makes sense!
