Burglars can target homes where doors and windows are left open in warmer weather.
Police in West Bridgford said:
‘We have had a recent report in the West Bridgford area of an opportunist burglar who entered a property through an unsecured door while the homeowner was in the rear garden.
‘With the warmer weather and the COVID-19 situation, more people are at home and maybe leaving doors and windows unlocked whilst they are in another part of the property or garden.
Please ensure that doors and windows that are not visible to you are secure.’
Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Broadhead, Nottinghamshire Police’s lead for burglary, said: “Burglary is usually an opportunist offence with burglars looking for the easiest way of getting into your home without being seen or disturbed.
“Many burglaries happen because a door or window has been left unlocked, which is really an open invitation for burglars. We can’t stress enough how important it is to make sure your front and back doors and windows are kept locked, even when you’re in the house or garden.”
DCI Broadhead added: “Burglary is a priority for us and we’re working hard to catch offenders and bring them to justice but we want to stop burglaries from happening in the first place.
“We want people to think about their home security before it’s too late. We don’t want anyone to fall victim to burglars.
“There are also steps people can take to remove the temptation for burglars by keeping possessions out of sight and making it seem like someone’s at home.”
Some simple crime prevention tips for your home include:
* Make sure that all doors and windows are locked at all times.
* If you’re out all day use a timer switch to operate the lights to make it look like someone is at home. Change the times that the lights come on to simulate an occupied home. Drawing the curtains or closing blinds, preventing people from looking into your home, can also help make a difference.
* Make sure your front door is well lit. Use dusk to dawn lighting that automatically comes on as it gets dark.
* Don’t open your door unless you know who it is – use a door spy hole or door chain.
* Visible burglar alarms and carefully directed security lighting can deter burglars. Make sure alarms stop sounding after 20 minutes and lights don’t disturb your neighbours.
* Keep desirable items out of view to passers-by. Valuables should not be visible from windows and doors in your home.
* Ensure your keys are kept in a safe place out of sight and well away from your letterbox.
* Don’t leave spare keys outside or in a garage or shed.
* Consider buying a safe for personal papers, passports and small items of jewellery. This must be secured to the floor or a wall.
* Never leave garages or sheds unlocked, especially if they connect to your property.
* If you see somebody acting suspiciously report it to the police immediately by calling 101 or, in an emergency, call 999.
* For more information on how to protect your home visit https://www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/document/advice-home
