Police issue advice to keep homes and cars safe from thieves this winter

Supporting the national campaign ‘Don’t advertise your stuff to thieves’ launched by the Home Office on December 26, Hampshire Constabulary are reminding residents to ensure their homes and cars are secure to avoid becoming victims of burglary, car theft or robbery this winter.

Many crimes happen on the spur of the moment, with thieves taking advantage of an open window or valuables left on display in a car. However, by taking a few simple steps many of these crimes can be prevented.

To keep their homes safe, residents should follow the following advice:

• Lock all doors and windows when leaving your house – even if you are just popping out for a minute
• Make sure that no keys are visible and within easy reach of a door or window
• Make sure that valuable items cannot be seen from outside, and don’t leave empty boxes from your Christmas presents by the bins
• When leaving your house unoccupied for a longer period of time, leave lights and the radio on a timer switch (these can be bought for as little as £2 from DIY shops), cancel milk deliveries and ask a neighbour to collect your post
• If you’ve taken extra security precautions, let thieves know – if you have an alarm, make sure the box can be clearly seen; if you take part in Neighbourhood Watch, display a sticker in your window.

Elderly people are advised to always have put the door chain on when opening the door. Although many callers are genuine, always check their identity by calling the organisation they claim to be from. Look the number up in a telephone book instead of using the number on the card they give you as that too may be fake. If in doubt, don’t let them in and call a neighbour or friend for help.

Crime Prevention Officer Melody Manning said: “Burglary in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is much lower than in many other parts of the country; and to keep it this way, police officers regularly patrol residential areas.

“As many burglars act on opportunities, the advice we are giving people can be summed up in two simple steps every resident can take: Lock all side and rear gates, windows and doors; and keep valuables out of sight so as not to tempt unscrupulous people. Remember, out of sight, out of mind.”

Vehicle Crime Prevention Co-ordinator Alan Edmunds said: “I encourage people to take that extra minute to think about what invitations they may be leaving thieves when parking.

“It’s at times when we are thinking of something else like a hospital appointment or last minute shopping, and the last thing on our mind is the phone or wallet on display in the car, that we become most vulnerable. Thieves are opportunists, and by remaining vigilant people can ensure they don’t leave any opportunities for them.”

To keep their cars safe, residents should follow the following advice:

• Always keep your car locked – even if you are just nipping back into the house whilst warming the car up or paying for your patrol after filling up
• Don’t leave anything on display in your car, particularly when it’s parked overnight – if you can’t take it inside, put it in the boot. Be particularly careful with expensive stereo, mobile phone or satellite navigation equipment
• Park in busy and well-lit areas if possible
• If your car doesn’t already have one, consider fitting a car alarm or a Thatcham-approved electronic immobiliser (www.thatcham.org or 01635 8688555)