Home security advice (From Ledbury Reporter)

Home security advice

3:00pm Monday 15th October 2012 in News

PEOPLE across Herefordshire are being reminded to take extra steps to secure their homes when they go out or while on holiday.

They are being asked to ensure windows and doors are kept shut and locked when they leave their homes because many burglaries happen when homes have not been secured.

Sgt Tim Dugmore, from the burglary unit at Hereford police station, said: “Although burglaries do remain relatively rare in Herefordshire, up to half of all burglaries are committed by thieves who enter the house through an unlocked door or an open window.

“This means the reality is that most burglaries are carried out by opportunistic thieves, rather than ‘professional’ criminals, who are looking for the easiest way of getting into a house without being seen or disturbed.

“Opportunist thieves will not want to take unnecessary risks to carry out a burglary and, therefore, there are simple things that everyone can do to make life more difficult for them. I would ask each and every person in the county to spend a little time considering how they can make their home more secure.

“It will only take a few minutes to think this through, but could make an enormous difference in terms of reducing your chances of becoming a victim of an opportunist thief.”

Steps to take include locking doors and windows, using timer switches for lights, marking belongings with your postcode and asking a friend to check on your property. For details, go to westmercia.police.uk.