Aylesbury Vale residents asked to help protect their homes against burglary
Thames Valley Police have shared advice on how to help secure properties
Thames Valley Police are sharing advice on how people can protect their properties against burglaries.
Aylesbury Vale residents and those across Buckinghamshire, are being advised on how to deter burglars this winter.
One thing residents can do as the nights get darker is to check any outside lights are working properly and making sure hedges are cut back properly.
Aylesbury Vale's Superintendent, Mike Loebenberg, has some other advice to prevent burglaries:
"Whilst nobody should live in fear of being burgled it is important that people do take basic steps to protect their homes.
"Simple things people can do include making sure doors and windows are double locked, especially with PVC doors where the handle needs to be lifted.
"A significant proportion of burglaries take place throw door access where it hasnt been double locked.
"Similarly please don't leave keys in the door, it is possible for someone to reach in through a window of a pet flap to get that key.
"Likewise windows who are on the group floor or are otherwise accessible should be closed and the key stored away from the window."
Thames Valley Police say although patrols will continue the usual crime prevention outreach hasn't taken place in local communities because of coronavirus.
With Christmas drawing closer they have also provided some advice about packages attracting burglars attention:
- Track your parcels and make sure items are delivered when you are at home to receive them, or have them delivered to a trusted alternative address.
- Cut up packaging for any expensive items so that it will fit inside your refuse bin, never leave boxes next to the bin where they can be seen.
- Remove any address labels as they can give away what you’ve had delivered as well as increase the chances of you becoming a victim of identity fraud.
For more information and advice, visit the Thames Valley Police website.