Heatwave sparks burglary warning

RICHARD BALLS Householders have been warned not to let criminals take advantage of the hot weather by leaving windows and doors open as part of a summer campaign by police.

RICHARD BALLS

Householders have been warned not to let criminals take advantage of the hot weather by leaving windows and doors open as part of a summer campaign by police.

Colourful postcards giving top tips on how to keep unwanted intruders out will be distributed across Norfolk during the seasonal crackdown and police community support officers will be on the alert for situations that burglars could exploit.

The initiative will be backed up by advertising messages on Radio Broadland during July and August with the station's logo printed on the postcards.

Security advice includes:

get into a routine of checking that doors and windows are closed and locked when you go out, even if it is for a few minutes

front doors should not be left unlocked even when you are outside in the garden

use window-limiters if windows are to be left open at night

sheds and garages should be locked and alarmed

ask a neighbour to help when you are away by getting in the post and being vigilant

do not keep valuable items on view in your property

mark your valuables with your postcode for easy identification

Supt Jim Smerdon said: "Many burglaries can be prevented. Most are committed by opportunist criminals who happen to see insecure premises - and help themselves to the property inside.

"The summer months can bring with them opportunist thieves on the lookout for lapses in security which they can take advantage of.

"Just a few simple precautions can prevent people from becoming a victim."