Dorset Police is helping to highlight measures people can take to keep their properties secure from burglars ahead of the summer.
Over the summer months, homes are often left unoccupied for longer lengths of time as people jet off on holiday, and windows and doors are more likely to be left open as people air out their homes amid warmer weather.
Burglaries during this time are often as a result of opportunity rather than planning, which makes many crimes entirely preventable if homeowners follow some simple steps.
The Force is sharing a short video created by colleagues at Staffordshire Police, designed to help residents identify gaps in their home security and ‘Be Sure You’re Secure’ this summer.
Detective Superintendent Steve May, of Dorset Police, said, “Although dwelling burglaries in Dorset have decreased by seven percent year on year, continuing to reduce the number of incidents remains a top priority for Dorset Police.
“This video offers an effective reminder of some simple steps we can all take to protect our homes from opportunistic burglars and acquisitive crime offenders, who are often looking for easy targets.
“Help us continue to reduce burglary offences in Dorset by making it hard for offenders to target and gain entry into your property.
“Simple crime prevention techniques, such as ensuring valuable and electrical items including tablets, laptops and mobile phones, are not left on display and locking windows and doors when you leave your property, will help reduce the chance of you being burgled.
“When your property is empty, give the impression that it’s occupied by using a light timer switch, drawing the curtains, and cancelling milk and newspaper deliveries if you’re going away for a period of time.
“If you are going away on holiday, please let your neighbours and friends know, but don’t put it on social media, as this is an advertisement to burglars that your home is empty.
“Also consider fitting your property with a video doorbell or CCTV and securing any garden sheds with locks – this could make it difficult for burglars to be successful.”
The Force is also urging the public not to be complacent this summer.
Det Supt May continued, “If you see someone acting suspiciously in your area, please call us on 101, or if a crime is in progress, dial 999.
“If you have information about someone handling or receiving stolen goods and you don’t want to report it to the police, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, free and anonymously.”
For more advice on how to keep your home secure, visit: https://www.dorset.police.uk/protectyourhome
Download the ‘Be Sure You’re Secure’ video here: https://we.tl/t-gpK8M89ZBR
