BOILING POINT
Thieves cash in with 100F scorcher on way Plagues of wasps swarming towards UK
SWELTERING Brits have hit boiling point as they blame the heatwave for... almost everything.
Burglars are taking advantage of open windows, hospital A&E departments are rammed with victims of sunburn and insect bites – and an army of rats are gorging on rotting rubbish left out in soaring temperatures.
CRAFTY burglars are cashing in on the heatwave as boiling Brits leave windows wide open.
Raiders are taking advantage as millions of homeowners throw aside security measures in a desperate bid to cool off.
The crooks are raking it in as temperatures continue to soar – with weathermen forecasting highs of up to 38C (100.4F) by Friday,
Thames Valley Police said there had been a surge in burglaries across Oxfordshire – with other forces reporting similar rises.
Acting Inspector Neil Applegarth said: “The opportunist threat definitely increases in the summer, and the threat of burglars taking advantage of unlocked or open doors and windows also increases.”
But Brits could soon be locking their windows again as a plague of wasps is said to be heading for the UK.
Pest controllers in Denmark said a dry spring and blistering summer there had led to perfect breeding conditions and a 15% increase in numbers – which could soon be buzzing this way.
Claus Schultz, from the Danish Association of Pest Controllers, said: “This is an extreme year for wasps.
“I’ve never seen anything like this in the 40 years I’ve been in the business.”
Travel agents are already being stung by the extreme weather as holidaymakers shun foreign breaks to enjoy the sunshine in the UK.
Several travel firms are slashing prices in a desperate bid to entice families to go abroad.
Emma Grimster, from Travel Supermarket, said: “Travel providers are keen to get as many bums on seats as possible and are pricing accordingly, with many discounts to be had out there.”
Holidaymakers who have opted to stay here are also enjoying warmer sea temperatures around Britain.
The water at Bracklesham Bay in West Sussex reached a high of 21.6C, warmer than the waves in Malibu in California.
But train commuters are struggling in the heat as rails verged on buckling on the West Coast Main Line, causing eight hours of speed restrictions.
There was better news on the High Street, with sales boosted as customers splash out to try to stay cool.
John Lewis said sales of electrical cooling products were up 315% weekon-week.
And at Halfords sales of car sunblinds were up 280%.
Meanwhile, Superdrug sold out of mini-fans. The firm’s Simon Comins said: “Sun protection is selling out across the country.”