News

Who's watching your house this summer?

Make sure it's Neighbourhood Watch, not a thief

There's nothing more tempting than to leave your windows and doors wide open when the weather is good, to air the house and take advantage of summer finally having arrived.

The problem is, there's nothing more tempting to burglars either.

Research has shown that at this time of year, there are more burglaries in Kent where thieves have taken advantage of insecurities to get inside people's homes.

Safer Summer, Kent Police's seasonal campaign, aims to reduce the number of house burglaries in a number of ways, including through raising awareness and issuing crime prevention advice.

The advice is:

. Keep doors and windows shut if you are not in the room;
. Think about which windows you leave open in hot weather;
. Consider outside lighting - it helps keeps thieves at bay;
. Remember, some burglars could get through small spaces such as a cat or dog flap so, if in doubt, shut and lock it;
. Keep valuable garden equipment locked away - use a strong padlock;
. Make sure garden sheds are secured properly;
. Lock ladders away;
. Don't leave keys in obvious hiding places or near doors and windows;
. Mark your property - this helps deter burglars;
. Avoid leaving boxes and other packaging outside your home, as this could advertise what is inside your home to burglars;
. If you are offered second hand goods, think twice as they could be stolen - if you are suspicious, report it.

Although over the last decade burglaries in our county have halved, research has shown that in terms of the burglaries that are happening, one in four occur because a thief has managed to get into a property through an open window or door.

Keep them closed if you're not in the same room - it's often the simplest solutions which have the most effect.

Superintendent Neil Jerome from Kent Police said: 'We want people to make life hard for thieves by taking away opportunities for them to steal things. There are lots of simple crime prevention precautions that can be taken which could be the enormous difference between you becoming or not becoming a victim of crime.

'We are always happy to offer advice and would encourage people to approach neighbourhood officers to get the most up to date information to help keep homes and property safe.'

There are also schemes operating which help those who have experienced burglary, and those who may need specific advice due to their circumstances.

· HomeSafe is for eligible people who have experienced burglary for the first time and provides crime prevention advice. The service can provide installation of security kits, as well as smoke detectors, and minor adaptations.

· HandyVan, run in partnership with the county council and Help the Aged, provides safety and security advice and products for the elderly in residential homes. Senior Link is a 24-hour phone number that gives help in an emergency and advice to those answering a door to strangers, providing eligibility. HomeSafe and HandyVan have vehicles and fitters who travel to homes to review safety and security needs and carry out any necessary work. Both initiatives operate across Kent and for more information, please call the county council on 08458 247 247.