Combating Burglary in East Acton

Burglary: Protecting Homes, Restoring Peace of Mind

A message from your local policing team

Burglary is more than lost property.
It is a deeply personal crime that can leave lasting emotional impact.

For many victims, burglary results in:

· Fear and anxiety in their own home

· Loss of sleep

· Feelings of violation and vulnerability

· Long‑term emotional distress

Your home should be a place of safety. When that is taken away, the impact can be profound.

Burglary Is Taken Seriously

Burglary is a significant criminal offence.

It includes:

· Entering a property without permission

· With intent to steal, cause damage, or harm

· Residential burglary is treated as particularly serious

The consequences for offenders can be severe:

· Arrest and prosecution

· Prison sentences

· Criminal records affecting employment, housing and travel

Police prioritise burglary because of the harm it causes to individuals and communities.

What Police Are Doing

Your local policing team is:

· Investigating burglary reports robustly

· Using forensic opportunities, CCTV and intelligence

· Targeting known and repeat offenders

· Conducting patrols in affected areas

· Working with partner agencies to reduce risk

Timely reporting helps us identify patterns and act quickly.

How to Protect Your Home

Small steps make a big difference.

✅ Simple but Effective Prevention

· Lock doors and windows every time you leave — even briefly

· Use window locks and deadbolts where possible

· Keep keys out of sight and away from doors or letterboxes

· Leave lights on timers when out

· Cancel deliveries if away, or ask a neighbour to collect them

· Secure sheds and garages — these are often targeted

✅ When You’re Away

· Tell a trusted neighbour

· Avoid advertising holidays or absences on social media

· Keep boundaries maintained (hedges, fencing, gates)

No home is “too secure” — burglars often look for easy opportunities.

Supporting Victims

If you or someone you know has been burgled:

· You are not to blame

· What you’re feeling is normal

· Support is available

Police will:

· Record and investigate the offence

· Provide crime prevention advice

· Refer victims for additional support where appropriate

If you are struggling after a burglary, please reach out — emotional recovery matters as much as replacing property.

If a Burglary Is Happening or Has Happened

· 999 – If a burglary is in progress or suspects are nearby

· 101 – To report a burglary after the event

· Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111 – Anonymous information

Report as soon as possible. Early information can:

· Increase chances of catching offenders

· Recover stolen property

· Prevent further offences nearby

What the Community Can Do

Burglary prevention works best when communities look out for each other.

Be alert to:

· Unusual activity around homes

· Unknown vehicles lingering

· Items being removed from properties unexpectedly

· People trying door handles

🚫 Do not confront suspects
✅ Call police instead

Your information — even small details — can make a real difference.

Addressing the Causes — Without Excusing the Harm

We know some burglaries are linked to:

· Drug dependency

· Financial pressure

· Exploitation by organised criminal groups

Where appropriate, police work with partners to:

· Tackle root causes

· Support rehabilitation

· Prevent repeat offending

But burglary always causes harm — and repeat or serious offending will be dealt with robustly.

Rebuilding Confidence, Together

A single burglary can make people feel less safe — but strong communities recover faster.

By:

· Reporting incidents

· Sharing information

· Supporting victims

· Taking simple prevention steps

We reduce opportunities for offenders and help keep neighbourhoods safe.

Our Message Is Clear

· Burglary causes real harm

· It is taken seriously by police

· Prevention works

· Reporting matters

Your home matters.
Your safety matters.
Your peace of mind matters.

Together, we protect our community.