Burglary Advice

Dear Parents

Police in Birmingham are encouraging parents to think about home security in the run up to Christmas.

Burglary offences traditionally peak in the winter months due to the darker nights. Opportunistic burglars usually target homes that they believe to be empty or insecure.

Officers have stepped up patrols across the city in a bid to deter burglary and identify suspected offenders.

They also wish to share the below home security advice.

• Consider purchasing a timer switch for lights. These are inexpensive and available from most hardware shops. You can set these to light up your home and make it appear that somebody is in even when you are out.
• Make sure that curtains are closed in the evening to deter criminals from looking in.
• Always lock your doors and windows. Ensure that back doors are locked as well as any gates or access ways.
• Cancel newspapers and milk deliveries if you are away from your home for a few days.
• Keep any sheds, outhouses and garages locked – your tools could be used by criminals to enter your home.
• Neighbourhood Watch is an effective way to keep your home and community safe. You can find details of how to join or set up a scheme from the partnerships officer at your local police station. Call 0345 113 5000 for details.

Sergeant Jill Hughes said: “Many people will now be returning home from work in the dark and often forget to leave a light on, making it obvious to a potential burglar that the property is unoccupied.

Homeowners should consider investing in timer switches, windows should always closed and locked and, where available, house alarms set.”

For further advice about keeping your property secure, please take a few minutes to visit our home security website: www.safer-homes.org

Over the last six months there have been 2,300 fewer victims of house break-ins in the West Midlands (down 24 per cent) compared to the same period last year.