Thieves targeting homes

RUNCORN police have urged residents to lock up their property or risk losing their prized possessions.

A Cheshire Constabulary spokeswoman said 15 incidents have been reported across town in the past few weeks, with vehicles, sheds, garages and outbuildings targeted.

She said that in most cases, the property had been left insecure.

Residents have been urged to take a few simple security steps at home: ● Lock doors and windows. ● Use a timer to turn on lights and the radio while out. ● Keep valuables out of sight and away from external doors. ● Consider security-marking items with the relevant house number and postcode using an ultraviolet pen, or mark it using property marking kits which consist of a traceable liquid to forensically mark valuables. ● Ensure garages and sheds are locked with strong padlocks and, ideally, fitted with an alarm. ● Consider installing outside lights – dusk till dawn lights with a low wattage bulb will give a constant light when needed.

Drivers have been advised to follow similar tips: ● Ensure the vehicles is locked and secure when unattended, even if for a brief moment. ● Remember to activate the alarm and steering lock. ● Remove valuable items such as phones, laptops and cash and do not be tempted to hide them in the glove compartment. ● Remove the satnav and fascia/cradle of car stereos. ● Wipe off suctions marks left on the windscreen as this tells thieves a satnav is being used. ● Try to park in well-lit areas where there are lots of other people around.

Last week the Weekly News reported police had observed a ‘marked spike’ in acquisitive crime in recent weeks.