Burglar alert as light nights spark crime spree

With more people leaving windows and doors open at this time of the year, crimes levels increase in April and police are urging householder to be on their guard.

Detective Chief Inspector Jamie Pitt, said: “It’s important residents take steps to help prevent themselves from becoming a victim of burglary.

“With the onset of lighter nights thieves will be looking to take advantage of the fact more people are spending time outdoors and may leave doors and windows open as the weather starts to warm up.

“But this does present an open invitation to thieves. It can only take a second for a thief to come through an open window or door which will be all the more attractive to them if small, easily taken items are left on show, such as a laptop, jewellery or keys left on a bench or window sill.

“Sometimes the costs can run even higher if car keys are stolen with thieves making off in the vehicle. By taking a few minutes to make sure property is secure it can save a lot of anger and frustration.”

Simple steps such as locking doors, even when in another part of the house or garden, and investing in a timer switch for later in the night when it gets dark, are all it takes to deter criminals. Security measures such as CCTV, security lights and an alarm are also proven to be effective.

Police are also encouraging people to register valuable items on the national property register database Immobilise

The site is free to use and means any items recovered by police can be checked on the site, the owner identified and the property returned to them. It also helps police arrest those responsible for these thefts.

Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity can contact the police on 101, or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. To report an ongoing crime dial 999.