Local Priorities - Burglary at Christmas Time

I wanted to provide you with an update regarding burglary, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey.

As we approach Christmas we hope that everyone is looking forward to some lovely family gatherings, celebrations and some well deserved rest. Unfortunately this season can also sometimes see an increase in opportunistic burglaries as some homes are left empty while people travel and for others there may be more valuable items in your home with Christmas presents waiting to be gifted!

We'd like to suggest a few steps for your home security over the coming weeks:

- Secure your doors and windows
- Keep gifts out of sight
- Use timers for lights to ensure that your home isn't dark when you aren't there
- Don't advertise your absence or any travelling on social media

Please report any suspicious activity to 999 in an emergency or 101 if not.

While we will continue to pursue burglars in the area, there are steps you can do to help keep your property safe. Make sure that you:  

• Double lock your door every time you leave the house  

• If you can, move garden furniture or bins away from windows so that thieves cannot use them to gain access.  

• Use laminated glass or security film on ground floor and accessible windows.  

• Use a sash stop if you have sash windows to prevent people opening them enough to climb through.  

• If your windows open outwards, use a key operated lock – check these are locked before leaving the house.  

• Make sure all valuables are out of sight. 

• Keep handbags and keys away from letterboxes or cat flaps.  

• In the evening shut the curtains and leave lights on.  

• Set your burglar alarm 

• Lock your  shed or garage 

• Mark, register or record your valuables. 

Please go to our website to find the latest advice and guidance on keeping yourself safe.

If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.met.police.uk/, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.  

Get Involved

Please consider getting involved and contribute to the local priority survey, we may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on.  Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 

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