Police issue crime prevention advice after spate of thefts in Hemel Hempstead
In the run up to Christmas Hertfordshire police want homes to stay safe
Residents are being urged to review their home security and follow some simple crime prevention advice in the wake of several burglaries in Hemel Hempstead.
Burglary rates are currently lower than this time last year, but nationally there is often an increase in offences in the run up to Christmas.
Dacorum Chief Inspector Jason Keane said: “Everyone is so busy at this time of year preparing for the festivities, which makes it easy to forget about the importance of crime prevention and could leave you vulnerable to opportunist thieves.
“We don’t want anyone to become victims of crime during the festive season so please just take a moment to protect yourself by considering whether you are leaving your homes, vehicles and property properly secure.
“Our investigations around the recent burglaries in Hemel Hempstead are on-going and we are speaking to residents in those neighbourhoods to provide crime prevention advice as well as increasing our patrols to keep you safe.”
Hertfordshire Constabulary offers the following crime prevention advice:
- Make your home less inviting to a burglar by closing and securely locking all windows and doors when you go out.
- If you’re not home in the evenings use timer switches on lights to give the illusion someone is in.
- Consider installing a doorbell camera and monitored burglar alarm.
- Keep keys and valuables secure and out of sight.
- Keep tools and ladders in a locked shed as these items can be used against you to gain access to your property.
- Keep any Christmas gifts in a secure place – don’t store them in a shed or garage or on view near windows or doors.
- Secure bins at night and put garden furniture away for the winter as these can be used by burglars as climbing aids to gain access to upper floor windows.
- Ensure your vehicle is locked and remove all valuables as burglars often check to see if doors are left unlocked.
How to report a crime...
You can report suspicious activity in your area or information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference