Surrey Police are focusing on preventing burglaries in Tattenham & Preston during the winter months. This will include targeted patrols across with officers in marked and unmarked vehicles around hotspot areas. They are also utilising additional APNR cameras that have been installed on major roads around the north of the borough and in the adjoining Metropolitan Police area.
Their Safer Neighbourhoods Team will also be distributing Selecta DNA (property marking kits) throughout the Borough.
Advice suggested by Sgt Rava Alvaraz is:
- Burglars are often opportunistic who look for houses and flats with easy access – so make sure you secure your dwelling
- Close and secure all your doors and windows – even if you’re out of you house for a short amount of time
- Double-lock any door
- Keep any valuables out of visibility
- Keep important possessions away from the letter box and cat flap, including ID and car keys – Burglars could hook keys or valuables through even a small opening
- In the evening, shut the curtains and leave a light on even when out – Burglars are less likely to target a home that may be occupied
- If you have one, set your burglar alarm
- Make sure side gates are locked
- Lock your shed or garage – secure valuables including bikes to the ground or wall to avoid quick grabs
- Immobilise is the World’s largest FREE register of possession that works alongside the Police. Register your property at Immobilise (https://www.immobilise.com/) and improve your chances of getting it back if it is lost or stolen.
Although these tips may seem like common sense it is a good idea to review them to ensure your home is not at risk. A simple way to remember is to use the mnemonic WIDEN:
- W WINDOWs – Keep windows closed and locked
- I INTERIOR – put inside lights on a timer
- D DOOR – double or deadlock your doors
- E EXTERIOR – Put outside lights on a sensor
- N NEIGHBOURS – Keep and eye out for your neighbours
