21
Jan
2014
By Calvin at 12:34 GMT, 12 years ago
Cumbria Police are urging householders to keep doors and windows locked to prevent ‘sneak-in’ thefts. Criminals entering homes and buildings that are insecure, through doors and windows that have been left unlocked, has become one of the most common ways to burgle someone.
Figures show that for the last three years 40% of burglaries across Cumbria are as a result of a property being insecure.
The most popular items to steal are handbags, cash, mobile phones, laptops and keys. All items which are easy to take and carry away.
Chief Superintendent Steve Johnson said: “The way in which some criminals work has changed. They will wander the streets, looking for open windows, trying front and back doors to see if they are open.
“If you are sitting in one part of the house and cannot hear the front door opening, then this is an ideal opportunity for a thief. They will walk up and down streets, trying every door to see if it will open and then just enter a home and take what they see first.
“Police officers, PCSO’s and Special Constables can target an area that has been subjected to these thefts to help deter any further from happening, but this does not help those who have already been victimised.
“Throughout the year there is a vast amount of work done by Cumbria Police to ensure the safety of our community, from being out on patrol and visiting vulnerable residents, to updating Community Messaging. We also work very closely with partner agencies, such as the local authorities and Trading Standards to help promote crime safety advice......
.......“The answer is a simple one, lock windows and doors that you are not going to hear being opened. Don’t let thieves have easy access to your homes.”
The rest of Cumbria’s news release can be read here and includes dates, times and locations across the county where you will be able to get crime prevention advice over the next few days.
TCPW Comment: Cumbria Police’s finding that 40% of homes burgled across the county in the last 3 years were insecure is quite staggering! It must also be very frustrating for the police, because these types of crimes simply shouldn’t be happening!
This figure of 40% is certainly a great deal higher than in other parts of the country and one has to wonder why? Is it because crime rates across the county are generally very low causing the population to drop its guard?
We know for a fact that a dwelling that has a very good level of home security is 10 times less likely to be broken into than one with less than basic security* or where the otherwise good security features are not being used.
Not only should ‘sneak-in’ burglaries not be happening at such a high rate, but each one unnecessarily adds to the already high workload of the police service along with all the other crimes that shouldn’t be happening. (theft of laptop from back seat of unattended car for example).
Clearly, the local police there urgently need the people of Cumbria to heed their advice and lock up. - Let’s hope they do!
And don't forget that if a burglar enters your dwelling by simply walking through an open door or climbing through an open window you may not be covered by your insurance!
*British Crime Survey data
Source Cumbria Police: http://www.cumbria.police.uk/news/latest-news/advice-to-help-ensure-your-home-and-belongings-are-secure
Take our Home Security Survey to find out what you need to do: http://thecrimepreventionwebsite.com/home-security-assessment/468/home-security-survey--diy/
