Beware of opportunist burglars

All too often police get reports of people who have come in from the garden to find someone has slipped through a front or back door and grabbed easily removable items such as handbags or wallets – or even keys along with the family car.

Most thieves are lazy opportunists and if they see a door left wide open, or possibly unlocked with the owner engrossed elsewhere, they will not hesitate to take advantage of the situation.

“It may seem inconvenient to have to lock the door when you pop out to do some gardening,” says Police Sergeant Dave Layton-Scott, “but it is a lot less time consuming than changing locks, filling in insurance forms and replacing property.

“People should also think about the security of their garages, sheds and outbuildings at this time of year because there is a ready market for items such as lawnmowers and gardening equipment, which should always be security marked.”

Other ways to deter burglars include:

>Fit outside security lights and put gates across side passages

>Leave lights and a radio on when you go out

>Double check fences and boundaries for weak spots

>Fit security features such as window locks, patio door locks and a burglar alarm

>Never leave keys under mats and flower pots, it’s the first place burglars look

>Keep an eye out for strangers in your street, especially if they are selling property door to door. If you are suspicious, call the police.

>Help protect your neighbourhood by joining Neighbourhood Watch, or becoming a co-ordinator

>And remember always security mark your property.

Anyone with information about burglary, or believes someone may be selling stolen property, can contact Bedfordshire Police, in confidence, on 101 or text information to 07786 200011.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.