Warmer Weather Brings out the Burglars

Residents in South Bucks are being warned by South Bucks District Council’s Community Safety Team not to create a window of opportunity for burglars as the warmer weather approaches.

Burglars are well known to cash in on the warm weather, leaving home owners who are out enjoying the sunshine or catching up on DIY to count the cost. Windows and doors left open or unlocked while residents are out or even in the back garden, are an invitation to criminals.

South Bucks District Council’s Community Safety Team is asking the public to be more aware of securing their property during warmer weather.

Neighbourhood Inspector Bhupinder Rai says, “The temptation to leave windows open is greater than ever with warmer days and lighter evenings. However, burglars will see an open window and seize their opportunity – an open window is an open invitation. It only takes a moment for them to gain entry and steal small items such as car keys, laptops and cameras. Keep these out of sight of windows and the letterbox too”.

“Close and lock your windows and doors, even if you only leave home for a short time, or even if you’re just in the garden. Burglars sometimes like to work undercover, therefore I would advise residents to trim hedges back this spring. Where possible, they should also keep garden tools locked away.”

If you would like more advice on how to protect yourself from crime, telephone a Thames Valley Police crime reduction adviser on 0845 8 505 505.

Or you can contact South Bucks District Council’s Community Safety Team on 01895 837200 or email communitysafety@southbucks.gov.uk.

If you wish report a crime anonymously then call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.