Police in Portsmouth are reminding residents in the city to protect their homes and belongings, and keep their presents safe this Christmas.
Many burglaries are committed by opportunist thieves, and there are a few simple measures that can be taken to avoid putting your home at risk:
- If your tree and presents can clearly be seen from the outside of your home, move them to a different position, or consider keeping your presents somewhere else, that cannot be easily seen
- Give the impression of being at home, even when you are out – draw the curtains and leave one or two lights on
- If you are going to be out all day or for a few days, consider buying a timer switch that can turn your lights on in the evening and early morning
- Always remember to lock all doors and windows, and set an alarm if you have one
- After locking the door, remove the key and place it somewhere safe – if it is left in the lock it could be reached through a pet flap or letter box
- If you are going away, ensure any paper or milk deliveries are cancelled, and ask a trusted friend or neighbour to visit the property to collect any post and open or close the curtains
Following a number of recent incidents across Portsmouth, officers are giving out this crime prevention advice to prevent further break ins.
On Friday, December 19, a woman returned from an evening out to her house in Randolph Rpad and it is thought she may have disturbed the intruders, who left through the back door and had stolen jewellery.
On Saturday, December 20, a property in Nutbourne Road was broken into and a number of items were stolen, including three digital cameras, two sets of GHD hair straighteners, an ipod, a satnav, and a laptop, as well as jewellery and cash.
Between December 19 and 21 a burglary took place at a property in Stubbington Avenue, where offenders forced their way through a door at the rear of the house and stole a DVD player.
Crime Prevention Officer Ian Freeston said, “These incidents are very distressing and we want to remind residents that they can help safeguard their homes by following just a few simple steps. At this time of year people are often very busy preparing for various events but it is important not to forget security. Don’t give thieves a chance this Christmas.”
