Swindon Community Safety Partnership (CSP), which includes the Police and Swindon Borough Council, is advising householders to take simple steps to ‘Beat the Burglar’, as part of its ‘Lock It or Lose It’ campaign this summer.

Nine out of ten burglaries are opportunistic, with unlocked, open doors and windows making properties particularly easy prey for burglars during the warmer summer months.

The advice for residents is to be aware of the potential risks, and to take preventative steps to protect their homes.

Richard Palusinski, Head of the CSP, explained how residents could help to tackle the risk of domestic burglary: “With summer here, there is an increased risk of people allowing burglars into their homes by leaving doors and windows open. Just take a moment to look at your home through a burglar’s eyes to see ways in which a thief could gain access to your house. Then, take steps to make it more difficult for a burglar to get in, keeping your home and your property safe.”

Action To Keep Burglars At Bay Includes:

•    Closing and locking doors and windows – even if just  ‘popping out’ or in the garden, and especially at night
•    Keeping sheds/garages/gates locked, and chaining up cycles
•    Investing in a visible burglar alarm and movement sensitive lighting
•    Keeping valuables out of view/reach of windows and doors
•    Invest in a visible burglar alarm, movement sensitive lighting
•    Mark valuables with your postcode, using a UV pen
•    Going on holiday? Don’t close your curtains, and ask a neighbour to: adjust curtains/turn on lights/remove piled up post/add rubbish to your bin

Superintendent Kier Pritchard of Swindon Police said: 'We will be working with our partner agencies to target activity at car boot sales, garage sales, licensed premises, second hand shops, food outlets and other locations to recover stolen property.

“It’s not just a crime to knowingly buy stolen goods. It’s just as serious to knowingly allow your property to be used to sell stolen goods. If you’re a burglar or buying or selling stolen property, watch out as the next knock at the door may not be the postman.'

Wiltshire Police are advising residents that if they believe anyone is
acting suspiciously, they should take their description and details of
any vehicles, including direction of travel and contact the police on
0845 408 7000 or 999 in an emergency.

For more information and a copy of the ‘Lock It or Lose It’ leaflet, call 01793 466506 or go to the CSP website www.swindon-csp.org.uk.