East Riding residents urged to protect homes from burglary this winter

Humberside Police is giving out advice to residents to protect their homes from burglars this festive season.

The force says they are doing all they can to identify and catch those who commit the crime.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Vickers said: “We are doing everything we can to bring burglars and offenders to justice.

“However, I urge residents to also play their part and make an effort to protect their own property to prevent the crime from ever happening.”

Help keep your home and property safe by taking some basic crime prevention advice:

• Make sure you lock your doors and windows – even when you are in. More than a third of all burglaries take place through unlocked or open doors and windows.

• Don’t leave anything on show – we all love to see presents under the tree, but this is a wonderful sight for any passing criminal too.

• Don’t advertise what you have bought as gifts or received on social media – sharing that you have a new bike on social media can lead to people targeting your home or garage to steal it.

• Do not ever keep large amounts of cash in your home. If you are thinking of gifting money, think about sending it electronically.

• Keys should always be kept out of sight and not left in doors or in view of windows.

• If you have bought a new bike – register it online with the Bike Register or Immobilise. Make sure it’s locked securely in a locked garage and don’t leave it unlocked when you go out.

• Using electricity to keep a light on might be something you are reluctant to do but making your home looked lived-in while you are out does act as a deterrent. An energy efficient bulb in a hall light would use a tiny amount of energy and help protect your home.

• Don’t open the door to anybody you don’t recognise. Not sure? Don’t open the door!

Most burglaries are not pre-planned, they are committed by opportunist thieves who spot an open door, window, or valuables on display.

DID YOU KNOW?

A thief can get through any gap larger than a human head, therefore please follow some simple but effective advice provided by the police officers who deal with the after-effects of a burglary:

HOW DO BURGLARS GET IN?

In 33% of burglaries, they do not even have to use force – they get in through an open window or unlocked door.

70% enter through a door, with almost all the rest through a window.

A thief can get through any gap larger than a human head.

WHAT DO I DO IF I’M BURGLED?

• Call the police immediately. If you think the burglar(s) may be still inside your property ring 999, don’t go in but make the call on a mobile or from a neighbour’s home. The police will make a much more rapid response if the perpetrators are still on the property.

• Ask the police if they want you to start making a list of missing items. BUT: resist the urge to tidy up any mess until after the police have been and have carried out their work.

• The police will take details of the crime and issue you with a crime number. You will need this number to track the progress of the investigation and make a claim on your home insurance.

• If any credit or debit cards or cheque books have been stolen contact the issuer to cancel them as soon as possible (most have 24-hour services). Check to see if important documents such as your passport or driving licence have been stolen and inform the relevant authorities.

• If you have think you know who did it, but would prefer to pass information on anonymously, you can do so via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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