Summer Burglary Prevention Advice Issued

Risk of theft rises during spell of hot weather

As we enter summer, Wandsworth police would like the public to be aware of the potential risks they face if they leave the windows and doors of their homes open or on a latch. Before you leave your home, make sure everything is locked. Do not present burglars with opportunities. This includes leaving your windows and back doors open.

Other crime prevention tips include:
• Leave lights on when you go out. If you are going to be away for a length of time, connect some lamps to automatic timers to turn them on in the evening and off during the day.
• Keep your garage door closed and locked.
• Don't allow daily deliveries of mail, newspapers or flyers build up while you are away. Arrange with the Post Office to hold your mail, or arrange for a friend or neighbour to take them regularly.
• Make your home look occupied, and make it difficult to break in.
• Check your locks on doors and windows and replace them with secure devices as necessary.
• If you can afford to, you should purchase an alarm.
• Never leave notes on your door such as "Gone shopping."

Superintendent Clive Sutton, said: “I urge people to follow these crime prevention tips as anything that stops a burglar from breaking into your home is worth a few moments of your time. If you have any concerns on crime in the area you should contact your local safer neighbourhood teams.”

Wandsworth police now have SmartWater on the borough, which is a liquid DNA solution that is painted onto household or communal items and leaves a forensic fingerprint encoded with the owner's details, which is virtually impossible to remove.

July 20, 2006