This follows an increase in burglaries in the area.
Residents in the Abbey ward, Leicester, are being advised to tighten up on their home security following an increase in burglaries in the area.
During the last 76 days (November 1, 2013 to January 15, 2014) there have been 63 burglaries spread out across the Abbey ward, compared to 26 burglaries in the previous 76 day period (August 17, 2013 to October 31, 2013). Of the 63 burglaries, 30 have been due to insecure doors or windows.
The ward stretched from the inner ring road to Birstall, and includes Stocking Farm, Mowmacre Hill and Frog Island.
Inspector Kev Morris, Beaumont Leys Local Policing Unit Commander, said: “Unfortunately the Abbey ward has experienced a significant increase in burglaries. In half of the burglaries the offender got into the property via an insecure window or door.
“I would urge residents to think about ways to improve their home security to prevent becoming a victim of burglary. It is really important that you lock all windows and doors; even if you are in the property it is still important to follow the routine of locking the door behind you. It only takes a few seconds for an opportunist thief to take advantage and gain entry to your property.
“I would also suggest that valuable items such as handbags, car keys, mobile phones and laptops are removed from view as these could be an appealing item to an opportunist thief. A number of the items stolen have been because opportunists have entered a home through an open window or door and taken items that have been left out on view, for example on kitchen sides.”
Police patrols have been increased in the area and officers are advising residents about how to improve their home security. Officers are delivering crime prevention packs to residents in the Abbey ward, which include a personalised letter from Inspector Morris and leaflets and advice on home security measures.
Officers are also encouraging people to property mark their valuable items and to register them on www.immobilise.com, the free UK national property register. Registering your property can increase the chances of it being returned to you if it was stolen and later recovered.
A 29 year-old man has been charged with burglary following a break-in at a house in Felstead Road on January 16. He is due to appear at Leicester Magistrates’ Court this morning (January 17).
To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of burglary, officers are reminding people of the following crime prevention advice:
Ensure all doors and windows are locked, even if you are at home or only leaving the house unoccupied for a short time.
Keep valuables out of sight – leaving handbags, mobile phones and laptops on view near open windows or doors could be an invitation to an opportunist thief.
A visible intruder alarm can be a good deterrent for thieves.
Install low level dusk to dawn lighting outside your property. This may make offenders feel more vulnerable and observed, and allow you to see anyone approaching your home.
Prevent easy access to the back and sides of your home with locked gates and/or fencing.
Remove, or secure, any climbing aids or tools that may be used to break-in to your home, e.g. ladders, wheelie bins, gardening tools etc.
