RESIDENTS of Wokingham are being warned to watch out as thieves are making the most of darker evenings.
Thames Valley Police says it has received a spike in residential burglaries since the clocks went back at the end of October.
Homes that are left unlit are the attraction as it suggests to thieves that no one is inside.
Officers say the majority of burglaries saw offenders attack a side or rear door, smashing a window, or forcing a lock to gain entry.
Doors visible from the road or neighbours properties tend not to be attacked as offenders don’t want to be seen.
And in some of the recent cases, offenders have found keys for cars that had been left parked on the driveway and proceeded to steal the vehicle as well as other valuables. It is recommended that spare sets of car keys are kept securely stored, and not just dropped in a drawer.
Officers warn that houses left in darkness stand out during dark evenings, enabling burglars to easily see which houses are unoccupied.
They advise people to:
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Lock doors, accessible windows and gates leading to your rear garden when you go out.
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If you go away on holiday don’t post details on social networking websites. Arrange for a friend or neighbour to take in any parcels and to make sure papers and post aren’t left sticking out of your letter box, and if you have a burglar alarm make sure it is set before you leave.
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Invest in timer light switches to switch a lamp on in appropriate rooms, and vary the time they come on each day to make it look more natural. It can also be used with a radio or TV to give the impression that someone’s home.
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Consider buying a fake or simulated TV device which lights up a room like a real TV
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When you’re at home draw your curtains or blinds as soon as you need to turn interior lights on. Don’t allow a passing opportunist a clear view of your valuables and possessions.
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Keep valuables out of sight and mark them with your home number and postcode.
Look out for your neighbours’ houses, especially when they’re not at home and call the police if you see anything suspicious on 101 or 999 in an emergency.
Further crime reduction advice is available at: www.thamesvalley.police.uk
