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Watch out for sneak thieves |
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Now the weather is turning warmer local householders are being warned to take precautions against the possibility of sneak thefts.
Cllr Andrew Marchington, Cabinet member for Safer Communities, warned: “One in four burglaries are sneak ins. It is tempting to leave doors and windows open in warmer weather, but this can leave you open to sneak thieves who can be in and out in seconds along with your keys, mobile and other items easily carried.
A lot of burglaries are on the spur of the moment as a burglar may see an open window or other easy points of entry and take their chance.”
Kirklees Police Chief Inspector Vince Firth said: “Every day in Kirklees we keep maximum pressure on those who may try to sneak into your home, however, we need residents to play their part in reducing crime by taking the relevant security measures. It is harder for us to combat this if people leave themselves and their homes wide open.
“An unlocked door provides a perfect opportunity for a burglar. Don’t make yourself an easy target.
“It only takes a few seconds to lock doors and windows but it can take a lot longer to sort out the insurance claims. Please, make sure you keep your property secure at all times.”
The Be Safe, Be Secure campaign which is currently running in the area gives advice on keeping homes safe from attempted thefts and advises on all aspects of home security.
Tips to avoid becoming a victim:
• Keep all doors locked and windows secured at all times even when you are in.
• When you go out, even for a short time, always close and lock the external doors and windows.
• Never leave garages or sheds unlocked, especially if they connect to your property.
• If you are installing new doors and windows, get ones that are certified to British Standard BS7950 (windows) or PAS 24-1 (doors).
• Window locks, especially on older windows, will help stop people getting in. A burglar is less likely to break in if they have to smash a window)
• Use deadlocks if you have them but don’t leave the key near the door or in an obvious place.
• Don’t leave spare keys outside or in garage or shed. Store car keys or garage keys out of sight in the house.
• Use timers for lights and radios if away from home overnight or on holiday as they make it look as if someone is in.
• Visible burglar alarms, good lighting and carefully directed security lighting can put burglars off but make sure the lights don’t disturb neighbours and that alarms turn off after 20 minutes.
• Fences at the back of the house may make this area more secure but walls and solid fencing may let a thief break in without being seen. A good compromise is chain-link fencing or trellis with prickly shrubs.
• Fitting a ‘spy hole’ allows you to see who is at the door. A door chain lets you open the a little way to talk to the caller.
• You may want to set up a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme this can help reduce crime when a group of residents in certain area agree to look out for one another.
For further crime prevention advice contact your local Crime prevention officer on 0845 6060606. Please check the Neighbourhood Policing website Huddersfield North for recent updates: www.westyorkshire.police.uk/npt
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