Burglaries can soar with the temperature in summer

Many people leave their doors and windows ajar while they are out gardening or in another part of the property, but this risks letting in opportunist burglars.

Houses and flats have been targeted during the day and night and homeowners have had high value items taken such as laptops, handbags and car keys.

Crime Reduction Officer Lara Curtayne, said: “We have seen in the past that burglaries tend to go up slightly when residents leave windows and doors ajar while they are in another room or in the garden. This has encouraged offences to be committed by opportunist passers-by.

“I would like to remind residents not to leave attractive items in view and to close doors and windows whenever possible.”

Bedfordshire Police is keen to educate the public about how to protect their property as using a little common sense and taking crime reduction advice seriously can prevent most summer burglaries.

Residents in Bedfordshire are urged to follow this advice:

When you go out lock all the doors and windows. Do not leave fanlight windows open at the back of the house.

If you are at home with the doors and windows open, when you leave the room shut them after you.

If you want to leave your windows open while you sleep or if you live in a bungalow or flat fit window limiters to stop people opening them further to climb in.

Fit security features such as window locks, patio door locks and a burglar alarm – if you have a UPVC door, always push the handle up before DOUBLE locking it.

Fit outside security lights and put gates across side passages.

Never leave keys under mats and flowerpots, it’s the first place burglars look!

Keep valuable items out of sight.

Residents are also being urged to register with the UK National Property Register at www.immobilise.com where they can log any items such as mobile phones, computers, bicycles, appliances and jewellery. Immobilise will record serial numbers and also allows the user to upload pictures and a brief description of the item.

The Immobilise database is linked directly to a number of police systems across the UK which makes it easier for officers to trace the owners of any recovered items as well as identifying items that have been found on suspected criminals.

If you would like to speak to a Crime Reduction Officer in your area for advice contact your local police station on the 101 number.