Following the distressing aggravated burglary that has taken place in the Eynsham area last week, can I highlight our burglary campaign.
PLEASE REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY.
This year Thames Valley police have run a burglary campaign to highlight areas that many of us overlook.
Residential burglary is where items are taken without permission from inside the home, following illegal entry.
If you have high value items such as jewellery, watches, passports, credit cards, computer data and identification documents, you may want to consider storing them in a safe. Also make your insurance company aware as high value items kept at home may impact on your current policy and premium.
MARK YOUR PROPERTY: Make your valuables less attractive to thieves by using a property or police approved forensic marking solution only visible under Ultraviolet (UV) light. This can take the form of a special marker using ink or paint. Mark or etch your property with your postcode, house or flat number or the first three letters of your address. All of these measures help police identify stolen goods, making it harder for thieves to sell. So make your mark.
And property marking isn’t only for things like electrical items and bikes, you can also mark high value belongings like antiques. However, we recommend that you seek specialist advice.
If you are planning on leaving your home for any length of time this year use this simple checklist.
HERE’S WHAT WE RECOMMEND YOU DO BEFORE YOU GO OUT:
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Close and lock all your doors and windows, even if you’re only going out for a few minutes.
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Double-lock any door.
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Make sure that any valuables are out of sight.
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Keep handbags away from the letterbox or cat flap and hide all keys including car keys, as a thief could hook keys or valuables through even a small opening.
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Never leave car documents or ID in obvious places such as kitchens or hallways.
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In the evening, shut the curtains and leave lights on.
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If you’re out all day, then it’s advisable to use a timer device to automatically turn lights and a radio on at night.
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Set your burglar alarm.
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Make sure the side gate is locked.
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Lock your shed or garage.
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Lock your bike inside a secure shed or garage, to a robust fitting bolted to the ground or wall, like a ground anchor.