Police offer safety advice as lockdown eases and burglars get back to work

People are now going out more, giving thieves more opportunities

POLICE have issued safety advice to homeowners as more people venture out and about due to the easing of the coronavirus lockdown.

Sgt Chris Wharton said: “We have had a couple of burglaries now that a little bit of normality is resuming with more people leaving their properties to shop, work or go out for other reasons.

“Whenever you go out, it’s important to leave your home secure.

“Getting into an ‘exit routine’ can help ensure that you don’t forget obvious, but important things, like not leaving your valuables near windows, or no lights on if it will be dark before you get home.”

He urged residents to get into the habit of following their own course of action when they lock up their homes. He recommended the following:

■ Close and lock all your doors and windows, even if you are only going out for a few minutes;

■ Double-lock any door;

■ Make sure that any valuables are out of sight;

■ Keep handbags away from the letterbox or cat flap;

■ Hide all keys including car keys, as a thief could hook keys or valuables through even a small opening;

■ Never leave car documents or identity documents in obvious places, such as kitchens or hallways;

■ In the evening, shut the curtains and leave lights on;

■ If you are out all day, then it is advisable to use a timer device to automatically turn lights and a radio on at night;

■ Set your burglar alarm;

■ Make sure the side gate is locked;

■ Lock your shed or garage;

■ Lock your bike inside a secure shed or garage, to a robust fitting bolted to the ground or wall, like a ground anchor.

He also offered five further tips to help you keep your home and belongings stay safe while you’re away or on holiday:

■ If you’re off on holiday and wish to post anything on social media, make sure your posts aren’t public and are only visible to friends;

■ Leave lights and a radio on a timer to make the property appear occupied;

■ Get a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property or join a neighbourhood or resident watch scheme;

■ Consider asking your neighbours to close curtains after dark and to park on your drive;

■ Remember to cancel newspaper and milk deliveries.