Police Warning to all Householders

POLICE WARNING TO HOUSEHOLDERS

• There has been a disturbing recent increase in the number of burglaries committed in this area.

• These crimes are being actively investigated but everyone can help to reduce the risk of further attacks.

• Methods of entry has included forcing doors and windows, although in some cases entry has been made because the house was left insecure while the home owner was out. Please be aware of the increased risk and help reduce crime and protect your own property by making sure that your house is fitted with good quality locks on all external doors and windows and use them at all times. Most burglars are opportunists so remove the opportunities and make life hard for the criminal. Be security conscious and please:

• Consider installing an intruder alarm system.

• Install security timer lights inside your home.

• Postcode your property and keep a written record of serial numbers, makes and models. If you have valuable jewellery or antiques, keep a photographic record.

• Traditionally, small communities have always looked out for one another, so please be especially alert to anyone in your area who appears to be behaving suspiciously or trading from door to door.

• Record descriptions of such people and any vehicles that they may have with them and contact the Police on 0845 408 7000 or dial 999 in an emergency.

• Please pass this warning on to your friends or relations as security is the responsibility of us all.

Home security advice can be obtained from Swindon Police Crime Prevention Department on 0845 408 7000 or by visiting www.crimereduction.gov.uk on the internet.