Protect your home 

Dear Resident,

Is your home attractive to burglars?

Protect your home from burglary as the darker nights draw in!

Police officers in Northamptonshire are encouraging members of the public to ask themselves this question as the darker nights draw in.

Historically, burglaries increase during the winter months because thieves are able to use the cover of darkness to hide and go unnoticed more easily.

At the moment in Northampton, the Force is seeing an increase in the number of burglaries across the town between 5pm and 10pm with a common method being rear entry, smashing through glass doors or patios, and stealing jewellery and cash.

Burglary Team Detective Sergeant Gav Suttie said: “In an ideal world we would not have to issue crime prevention advice and I want to be clear that the only person to blame when a burglary happens is the offender.

“Unfortunately though, there are people who would look to use the cover of darkness to burgle people’s homes, however by taking a look at our crime prevention tips below, you will give yourself a better chance of not becoming a victim.

“If your property looks empty, this can be attractive to burglars so when you are not there, consider leaving lights or the TV on and prevent easy access to your back garden through locked gates.

“This year, the clocks go back on Sunday, October 27, and we want to encourage the public to be alive to any suspicious activity in their local area.

“This could be anything - from unfamiliar people being seen frequently on CCTV or doorbell footage, to vehicles driving up and down roads repeatedly and in a suspicious manner.

“As a burglary team, we are working hard across both the west of the county and the north, to bring burglars to justice, however we also want to remind people of the crime prevention measures they can put in place to make sure their home is as safe as possible.”

Crime Prevention Advice

The most basic home security measure is to simply lock up.

This gets overlooked more often than you think and a surprising number of people leave windows open or forget to lock the door. Don’t make it easy for burglars!

Take these simple precautions to reduce the risk of becoming   a victim of crime:

Your home

Keep front and back doors locked at all times - even when you're at home.

If you are out in the evening make sure you leave a light on and draw the curtains. 

If it's dark before you get home, use timer switches to turn on the lights.

Light up your front door with dusk to dawn lighting - make sure it's visible from the street.

Keep keys and valuables out of sight, and reach, from cat flaps, letterboxes and downstairs doors and windows.

If you have a burglar alarm, use it!

Find out how to carry out a home security self-assessment by visiting: http://www.northants.police.uk/information/crime-prevention

Your car 

Always keep your car locked and close the windows - even if you are only leaving the vehicle for a few moments.

Always remove all items from your vehicle when parked - even an old coat may be enough to tempt a thief.

Ensure when removing your sat nav, that the cradle and suction pad are also removed and any suction marks are wiped away.

Never leave keys in the ignition, not even at a garage when paying for petrol.

Keep keys safe at all times, whether you're out or at home.

Inspector Matt Rock

Corby and Kettering, Community and Partnership Team