Beat the thieves

Published on 10th May 2007 in News

Police are urging residents not to invite burglars into their homes by leaving their windows and doors open in the hot weather.

A spokesperson for Humberside Police said: "There has been a series of burglaries in Goole during April and in many cases, burglars took advantage when the homeowner left the property insecure.

"The burglaries have been taking place around Goole particularly in the town centre area during late afternoon and early evening.

"Items being stolen are valuables such as laptops, mobile phones, cash, car keys and in some occasions cars.

"Garden sheds and garages can also become targets for thieves over the summer months, which is often where gardening tools are kept."

To avoid falling victim to a burglar, residents are asked to keep their homes and property secure.

Detective Sergeant Dave Wescott said: "As we are enjoying summery weather at the moment, the temptation is to leave windows and doors open.

"However, this makes your home vulnerable to an opportunist thief.

"I would advise residents keep windows and doors locked at all times.

"When in the garden ensure your front door is locked.

"When upstairs in a home ensure all doors and ground floor windows are secure.

"Ensure you have sturdy locks on sheds and garages. Security lights can be a good deterrent.

"Keep valuables out of sight: do not leave items such as handbags, purses, wallets, laptops and mobile phones on show.

"Keep house and car keys in a safe place and do not leave them inside locks or near to external doors."

Anyone seen to be acting in a suspicious manner should be reported to police.

Humberside Police are working in partnership with the Safer Homes Initiative, which sets out what the police will do to deliver the best possible service to victims of burglary.

It involves recording and responding to burglaries as quickly as possible, doing a thorough job of the investigation, using officers with additional training and support and using developments in forensic techniques to identify burglars, arrest them and bring them to justice.

Prevention is an equally important part of the strategy and when victims of burglary come to the police for help, officers will provide them with proper assessments of the vulnerability of their home and practical advice and materials to help ensure that they do not become victims again.

Anyone with information in relation to burglaries which have occurred in Goole or who sees anyone acting suspiciously are asked to contact police on 0845 6060 222.