Residential Burglary crime prevention

🚨 Community Alert: Increase in Residential Burglaries 🚨

We’re asking residents to stay alert following a recent increase in residential burglaries in the area. Our team is conducting extra patrols and following up on reports, but your help can make a big difference in preventing further incidents.

How you can help keep your home safe:

🔒 Lock all doors and windows** — even when you’re at home or only stepping out briefly.  
💡 Use timer switches** to make your home look occupied during the darker evenings.  
📦 Keep valuables out of sight** from windows and avoid leaving packaging for expensive items outside.  
🔐 Secure sheds, garages and side gates** — tools are often used to gain entry.  
📱 Report anything suspicious** — people looking into windows, trying door handles, or unusual activity.  
👥 Join or connect with your Neighbourhood Watch** if available.  
🎥 Consider CCTV or video doorbells**, which can provide vital evidence.

other ways to protect your property: 

Mark it

Make your valuables less attractive to thieves by using a police approved forensic marking solution only visible under Ultraviolet (UV) light. This can take the form of a special marker using ink or paint. Mark or etch your property with your postcode, house or flat number or the first three letters of your address. All of these measures help police identify stolen goods, making it harder for thieves to sell. So make your mark. For information on police approved marking products, visit the. Secured by Design - Secured by Design

Property marking isn’t only for things like electrical items and bikes, you can also mark high value belongings like antiques. However, we recommend that you seek specialist advice.

If you have forensically marked your property, tell the criminals about it. They will not want to steal your property if they think there is an increased chance of them getting caught with items that are stolen and identifiable. A good way of doing this is by using stickers or posters that are usually provided with the forensic marking kits.

Record it

Register your property for free on  The National Property Register, for Phones, Gadgets, Bicycles & More...– it helps the police identify the owners of recovered property. Don't forget to add a serial number if it has one.

Take photographs of valuable items (next to a ruler for items of jewellery), note down the serial numbers for tools or electrical items and keep documents like receipts related to your property so you can prove ownership.

Remember if you see something that doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and contact us.

👉 **Report non‑emergencies:** 101  
👉 **In an emergency or if a crime is in progress:** 999

Let’s work together to keep our community safe. Stay alert, look out for each other, and please share this post.