Metropolitan Police burglary awareness campaign

published on: 31/10/11

The MPS is urging homeowners and tenants to take simple steps to guard against the risk of being targeted by burglars this winter.

As the Met launches its seasonal awareness campaign, new data demonstrates how Londoners become more vulnerable to burglars during the winter months. Last year offences increased by one third [34 per cent] between November 2010 and February 2011 [average 194 offences per day] compared to April to August 2010 [average 145 offences per day].

As evenings get darker, burglars are on the prowl for valuables and cash, recognising that homes tend to be getting ready for seasonal celebrations and may have gifts and items around and on display. During this period, properties remain in darkness for much longer periods which make them easier to target, especially if there are no obvious signs that there is anyone at home.

The MPS is using the campaign to call on Londoners to take simple steps to secure their home from burglars. It comprises radio ads, posters on the underground, direct mail shots and newspaper ads, urging homeowners and tenants to follow crime prevention advice and make their home one to avoid.

Advice to Londoners includes:

• Close and lock all your doors and windows, even if you are only going out for a few minutes. 

• Make sure you do not leave your car keys, valuables or ID documents near a door, letterbox or window.

• Leave some lights on if it will be dark before you get home

• Mark or etch your property with your postcode, house or flat number or the first three letters of your house name.

Commander Christine Jones said: "Being burgled is a distressing experience and the memory of the offence can have a lasting effect. 

"The Met takes burglary seriously – we want people to feel safe in their homes and in their communities and we are working hard to pursue those responsible and bring them to justice. As part of our commitment, we are determined to raise people's awareness of security with our latest campaign and help stop burglary from happening in the first place. 

"Burglary, on the whole, is an opportunist crime, with 36 per cent of burglaries resulting from insecure premises. 

"A burglar will select their target because it offers them the best opportunity to carry out their crime undetected and with the fewest number of obstacles in their way. A building that presents itself as unoccupied and insecure is far more likely to be targeted than one which is properly secured. 

"Don't let your home become a target. Help us to help you to protectyour home by taking simple steps such as using timers to turn lights andradios on; fitting alarms; making sure homes are locked before going outand keeping valuables and presents out of view.

"I urge Londoners to find out more by visiting our dedicated page on our Met website www.metbumblebee.org."

Kit Malthouse, Deputy Mayor for Policing said: "To beat the burglars weall need to be aware of the little things we can do to make ourproperties more secure. Think about lighting, locking and keep your valuables out of sight. Burglary is an intrusive crime that can make you feel alienated in yourown home and cause great distress. 

"Please help the police prevent as many break ins as possible by using their simple safety tips to safe guard your valuables."

While prevention is vital, the MPS recognises the need to target known or suspected burglars and is constantly working across many fronts to increase its effectiveness in tackling burglary. 

We use the national fingerprint identification database and extensive DNA procedures to raise the number of offenders identified through forensic intervention at all burglary scenes. 

We also maximise the Proceeds of Crime Act to recover stolen money and property that is the result of criminal activity by convicted offenders.

Each borough ensures that it makes the best use of dynamic intelligence profiling and operational assets to come up with bespoke plans to tackle specific burglary issues that may arise in its area. 

Safer Neighbourhoods Teams are also available to advise the public about the security of their property. For more crime prevention tips and advice on how to make your home secure visit http://www.metbumblebee.org or contact your local SaferNeighbourhoods Team. In an emergency, always dial 999. 

Ten top burglary crime prevention tips for Londoners: 

1 Mark or etch your property with your postcode, house or flat number or the first three letters of your house name. 

2 Register items with a serial number at www.immobilise.com

3 Do not leave your car keys, valuables or ID documents near a door, letterbox or window.

4 Always check who's at the door and don't open it if you feel anxious. 

5 Close and lock all your doors and windows, even if you are only going out for a few minutes. 

6 Keep your valuables out of sight

7 Leave some lights on if it will be dark before you get home

8 Fit a mortice lock to your front door and other external doors. Consider installing a burglar alarm. 

9 Always keep sheds and outbuildings locked

10 Cancel milk or other deliveries if you will be away for days or weeks at a time. 

 

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Posted in: Safety & Crime