Rushmoor Burglaries highest in area

Officers from the North and East Operational Command Unit are urging residents to keep their homes secure.
The advice is being issued based on statistics which show a rise in burglaries at insecure premises at this time of year.
There were 90 burglaries at insecure homes in the North and East OCU between 1 September 2006 and 31 December 2006. The statistics are broken down into districts as follows:

Basingstoke and Deane - 23
East Hampshire - 24
Hart - 17
Rushmoor - 26

Acting Chief Superintendent Mark Chatterton, North and East OCU deputy commander, said: “We are issuing this advice based on statistics which show a trend in burglaries at this time of year. By issuing this advice at this time we hope to educate residents on how to secure their homes and reduce the number of offences being committed this year.
“There are a number of simple precautions residents can take to reduce the chance of becoming a victim of burglary.
“Look at your house from a burglar’s point of view. Are there any open or unlocked windows or doors? How would you get into your house if you were locked out?
“It is important to remember that burglaries in North East Hampshire remain rare, and these kinds of offences are very easy to prevent. Burglars are often opportunistic and if they see an easy target, they will take their chance. Take simple precautions to protect your property and make it difficult for burglars to operate in our communities.”
Hampshire Constabulary offers the following advice as part of its Safer Homes initiative:
• Make sure you secure all your doors and windows every time you leave the house, even if you are ‘just popping out’.
• If you are in the garden or upstairs, make sure your downstairs doors are locked
• Fit window locks – easily visible locks may deter some thieves because it forces them to break the glass, which could attract attention. Remember to remove window keys and keep them out of sight in a safe place.
• Keep valuable items out of view – if you have electrical equipment worth hundreds of pounds, don’t keep it by the window where passers-by can see it.
• Never leave a key under a doormat, on a string through the letterbox or in a place which can be reached through a letter box – it’s the first place any burglar will look.
• Make sure tools and ladders are kept in a secure place – burglars will happily use your own garden equipment to break into your home.
• If you’ve taken extra security precautions, make it clear – if you have an alarm, make sure the box can be clearly seen; if you take part in Neighbourhood Watch, display a sticker in your window and, if you have a dog, put up a warning sign.

If anyone would like more advice on how to secure their property they should contact their local Safer Neighbourhood Team on 0845 045 45 45.