Christmas 2011 / New Year Burglary Campaign

West Yorkshire Police knows that burglary often increases this time of year, when many people have new and expensive items in their homes. Being burgled can be financially costly and emotionally devastating for victims and their families. 

We are cracking down on burglary, but by taking just a few simple measures you can prevent, deter and reduce the chances of it happening to you. 

Preventing crime should be part of your daily routine, especially around your home. It only takes a minute and it’s not expensive.

Read accompanying Press Release here.

 

Top tips for keeping your home secure:

• Put packaging for new items in the bin or take it to be recycled – empty boxes advertise that you have got new, expensive gadgets inside your house.


• Keep valuables out of view in case a burglar looks through your door or window.


• Keep doors and windows locked, even when you’re in the house.


• Don’t leave keys in door or window locks, keep them in a safe place, out of sight. 


• Use a timer switch so that a light comes on even when you’re out. Remember to change the settings every so often so that lights come on in different rooms at different times.


• Start or join a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme so that you can share tips and information wit your neighbours.


• Contact your local Crime Reduction Officer for more advice on securing your home by calling 101.

Most burglaries are opportunist rather than planned. If your home does not look secure, seems unlived in or has easy access it could be at risk. Look at your property through the eyes of a burglar and identify areas where your security could be improved as well as changing your habits by locking the door after you.

 

Burglars look for houses that will create the easiest opportunity for them to carry out their crime undetected and with fewest obstacles in their way. A property that appears to be insecure is far more likely to be targeted.

 

Remember to:

• Keep gates closed and locked. 


• Keep windows closed and locked.


• Use a good quality, British Standard approved lock. Cheap locks, incorrect fittings and deteriorating materials all weaken the security of your property.


• Install a security light.


• Put away ladders or other objects that a burglar could use to help them enter your home.


• Keep garden tools locked in a secure garage or shed so that they aren’t stolen or used by a burglar to force entry to your house.

 

If you are going away for any period of time, don’t make it obvious to burglars that your house is empty:

• If you have milk delivered, cancel the order, so that it doesn’t build up on the doorstep.


• Ask a neighbour to move post or newspapers.


• Use timers so that a light comes on when it gets dark.


• Set your burglar alarm.

For more Crime Prevention Advice please click here to read the full Crime Prevention section.

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