Dear Resident(s)

X 3 Burglaries 

Location Woodcote Avenue & Coppice Drive (Doors & windows pried open to gain entry)

Date 21/12/24   between 10:00-19:30

Do you have CCTV or Doorbell footage relating to these crimes?

Did you see any suspicious activity? 

Contact Northants Police quoting crime reference 24000757302 & 24000757669 Woodcote Avenue

24000757484 Coppice Drive

To report a crime or incident, provide information or for advice, call 101 or visit www.northants.police.uk.

In an emergency when there is a crime in progress or a life at risk always call 999.

You can provide confidential information should you wish to remain anonymous. Calls can be made to the Independent Charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit. www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Other ways to make it difficult for burglars.

By using well-defined boundaries as a basis, CCTV can be a valuable tool. However, it doesn’t prevent a crime from being committed and does have limitations.

CCTV linked to a smartphone will alert you to someone crossing your boundary. 

Most importantly, CCTV is no substitute for good quality physical security such as secure doors and windows.  

Some cameras work by day and by night, and record when they detect movement. Some can be remotely viewed from a smartphone.

Position cameras where they are best able to obtain good quality facial images. Could you recognise or identify someone from the footage?  

There is legislation for home CCTV use, so always seek advice from an accredited installer first to ensure your system complies with the law.  

Place signage up warning that CCTV is in use.  For advice and approved suppliers of CCTV visit the National Security Inspectorate and the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board.

Keeping your shed or garage safe and secure

Many people don’t secure their shed or garage in the same way they do their homes - often using an easy-to-break lock or padlock to protect valuable contents such as a car, bike or lawnmower. An opportunistic burglar will try a shed or garage first because they can find the tools they need to break into the main house.

Shed and outbuilding security: first steps

First off, check that your insurance covers the contents of your shed or outbuildings from theft.

Think like a thief

Take a look at your shed and consider how you would break in. It’s worth having a good padlock on the door with no exposed screws. Pay attention to hinges, as these are sometimes easily removable. If you have windows then these could be vulnerable unless they’re secured with wire mesh or grills. And keep it locked at all times.

Alarm it

Consider a battery-operated shed alarm. They look low key but they respond to movement or door contact with an extremely loud siren.

Lock it, hide it or mark it

Don’t give them the opportunity or the tools to commit a crime. Lock everything away securely. Tools can be locked inside a locker or box or secured with a chain. Secure your bike to the ground or a lockable stand within a locked shed or garage. Visit Sold Secure to search for ground anchors and other locks designed to fix to floors and walls. It’s always worth draping an old sheet or blanket over the top of mowers or bikes to keep them covered from view.

Although it might sound like stating the obvious, never leave your garage or shed door unlocked if you’re not around. Keep the door closed between uses so that no one can see what's inside. 

Property mark your items and take photographs of them. Some tools can be painted with your name or postcode and forensic marking is also an option. You can also register any item that has a serial number with Immobilise. A locksmith belonging to the Master Locksmiths Association can advise you on the most secure shed and garage door security. They can also help you install it. Most also provide full home security surveys.