INSPECTOR NICK PINKERTON
Around New Year burglaries nationally have historically increased in number. This is also true of Chertsey where there has been an increase in residential burglaries over each of the last three winters. I would like to provide you with information specific to Chertsey to help safeguarding your home.
Last winter in Chertsey:
- 68% of burgled homes were detached or semi-detached, this indicates that offenders are using side gates.
- 60% of entries or attempts were through the rear of the property by either smashing or forcing a back or patio door.
- 86% of entries or attempts were on the ground floor.
- The home was unoccupied 72% of the time (with a third having been unoccupied for over 24 hours).
- The most common stolen items included jewellery (18%), money (18%) and watches (9%).
This year COVID regulations have led to more people being at home for longer. Burglars are consequently paying more attention to outbuildings and especially to garages and sheds with tools and bicycles being targeted. I would recommend the following to safeguard your property:
- Secure your side and back gates with an appropriate lock (we recommend rim locks for gates)
- Ensure wheelie bins are stored behind the locked gate (as these can be used to scale locked gates and fences).
- If you are leaving your home unoccupied over the festive period leave signs of occupancy – ask a neighbour to park on your drive; put out and take in the bins on bin day; push mail left hanging from the letterbox into the house and you might also consider leaving a light on or leaving lights on timers.
- Hide valuables in unlikely places to make it as difficult as possible for the burglar.
- If you have highly valued jewellery you may want to consider utilising a bank safety deposit box or professionally installing an insurance rated safe. Do not keep an unanchored safe in your home, the burglars will steal the whole thing.
- Always keep your outbuildings locked and secured and fix fence panels so they cannot be lifted to get access to the garden. Consider moving high value items such as power tools and bikes into the home or using property marking.
- Consider installing a shed alarm.
- If you see someone acting suspiciously in your area always call 999.
- For further advice on how to secure your home please visit https://www.surrey.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/
Also, please remember not to leave packaging with brand logos visible at your bins. This is a simple sign for burglars to see that you a brand new appliance.
Runnymede Safer Neighbour Team wish all our Chertsey residents a Happy New Year.