You hold the key to your security

Did you know that 25% of burglaries in Northamptonshire happen because burglars get in through an unlocked door or window?

Operation Crooked is Northamptonshire Police’s campaign to tackle residential burglaries.

In the past two years we have reduced burglaries across the county by 47%.

But burglaries are still happening and we need your help.

Detective Superintendent Paul Rymarz, said: “Let me be clear that the only thing that causes burglaries is burglars and our officers are doing everything they can to put these people behind bars, evidenced by the 47% reduction we have seen in the past two years.

“In an ideal world, having to consider crime prevention tools to stop your home from being broken into wouldn’t be necessary but the reality is that there are shameless people out there who will look to burgle your house and steal items that you have worked hard to buy.

“However, research shows that burglars generally don’t like to work too hard to get into someone’s property, preferring to look for places they believe are an easy target. If I can give one piece of advice it would be not to give them an easy opportunity – an unlocked door or window for example”

Tips to prevent your home from being burgled:

• Always close and lock windows and doors when leaving the property - even a small open window could entice a burglar
• Use window limiters to allow air in instead of keeping windows fully open, even when you’re at home
• Keep car and house keys out of sight and away from windows and doors
• If you’re in the garden, make sure windows and doors at the front of the property are secure
• Do not leave valuables on display through windows
• Ensure that any side entrance is secure, locked and not easy to climb over, even when someone is at home
• Keep bins away from windows when they’re not being used as they can be used as a climbing aid for burglars
• Going on holiday? Make arrangements to make sure the house appears occupied whilst it’s unoccupied. Put lights on a timer or ask a neighbour to come and pick up mail and draw curtains. Don’t advertise being on holiday on social media

CCTV and doorbell footage often helps our detectives identify burglars. Sign up to Northamptonshire Neighbourhood Alert to register your property as having CCTV which could help us to detect crime in your area. If you see any suspicious activity in your area, contact us on 101 or report it online at www.northants.police.uk/ro. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Register for Northamptonshire Neighbourhood Alert to find out what’s happening in your local area at www.northamptonshireneighbourhoodalert.co.uk.

If there is a crime in progress or it’s an emergency, always call 999.