Crime: 11 October 2011

People across the Thames Valley can pick up security advice from one of the Thames Valley Police twitter sites, watch a video on youtube http://tinyurl.com/6fstdsw about the importance of not leaving their house in the dark, or receive a letter from their neighbourhood team informing residents about patrols in their area.

Neighbourhood teams will also be patrolling in burglary hot spot areas and leaving calling cards at people’s homes if they come across a house in darkness to ensure the occupants receive some crime prevention tips.

If no light is on in your home, curtains are not drawn, and no car is in the drive, it’s an obvious sign to an opportunist burglar that no-one is in. At this time of the year more than any other it pays to secure your home.

There are a number of simple and free ways to do this, all of which will help reduce the chance of your home becoming the next target.

Visit a local retailer to pick up a 24 hour segment timer for under £5. The timer can be used with a lamp, radio or TV to give the impression that someone’s home. Remember to use an energy efficient light bulb
Register your valuables on www.immobilise.com  its free and takes just a few minutes and if your valuables are stolen, will allow you to tell the police, your insurer, and the second-hand trade to assist in recovering your property and catch the thief
Keep valuables out of sight.

Look your doors and windows, if you have a UPVC door make sure you have double locked it

You can also follow us on Twitter @TVP_Maidenhead alternatively you can give us a ‘like’ on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/thamesvp