A citywide campaign has been launched aimed at giving crime prevention advice to residents and homeowners to help them beat the burglar during the winter months.
It’s that time of year, when the clocks have gone back, and the evenings get dark earlier, South Yorkshire Police (SYP) are encouraging people to think about home security and to be on their guard against burglars.
The majority of burglaries in Sheffield have been sneak-in burglaries, when opportunist thieves have entered unsecured homes. Also leaving valuable items in clear view near doors or windows can temp a thief to force entry to your home. Burglars will take any valuables they can see, such as, mobile phones, jewellery, purses, handbags and laptops.
During the next few weeks, in the run up to the festive season, people may see an increased police presence in key locations where burglaries have been committed, in an effort to raise awareness. Officers and PCSOs will endeavour to visit every homeowner or resident, who have been unfortunate to become a victim of burglary, they will offer reassurance and crime prevention advice, to avoid them becoming a repeat victim.
In addition, officers and crime reduction advisors will utilise the mobile police bus in various locations across the city, to give out home security advice and handy tips on how to deter offenders.
Det Insp Chris Singleton, who is leading the campaign said: “Burglary is one of our main priorities at this time of year. We want to make sure that the progress SYP has made in reducing the level of burglary continues, we need residents to be alert and take whatever security measures possible to make their homes safe.
“Unfortunately, there are a small number of people on the lookout for any opportunity. Police are asking the residents of Sheffield “don’t make it easy for burglars”, a house in darkness tells them there is no one at home, householders can help us by making sure their property is secure and well lit in the dark evenings and nights.”
South Yorkshire Police have the lowest level of domestic burglaries for 29 years. To help us to maintain this level, the public can reduce their chance of becoming a victim of house burglary by taking a few precautions, SYP have provided the following useful hints and tips.
- Always make sure your house is well lit and secure
- Use timer switches for lights and radios
- Consider buying an burglary alarm
- Always lock back gates
- Never leave keys hidden outside
- Keep doors and windows locked whenever possible, and fit good quality locks to them
- Secure garages, sheds and outbuildings as well as your home
- Don’t leave valuables in view, store keys in a safe place away from doors and windows
- Tell someone you trust if you are going on holiday or leaving your house empty
- Protect your valuables with a property marking solution like SmartWater or an ultraviolet marker pen and register your things free at www.immobilise.com this may help recovered stolen property to be returned to its rightful owner.
If you have any information about burglars and the handling of stolen goods you can contact us on the following numbers
101 the non-emergency number,
0800 555 111 Crimestoppers anonymously
999 Only if a life is at risk or a crime is in progress.
For more information about crime prevention or about improving security at your home, visit the safety and security section at www.southyorks.police.uk.