Cumbria Constabulary are issuing crime prevention messages to help people keep their homes and cars safe as the clocks change and British summertime starts on Sunday 27th March.
As we start to enjoy longer days and lighter nights, people can be tempted to leave doors and windows open which can attract opportunist thieves. Officers are appealing to their communities to keep possessions safe, hidden and locked to help them beat the criminals.
As summer approaches many people are out enjoying the Lake District, national parks and local attractions that our county offers, Officers are urging people to ensure that their cars are locked and possessions are either left at home or locked away in the boot.
Assistant Chief Constable Jerry Graham said: “As the lighter evenings and better weather approaches we urge people to be vigilant and secure their property which will help to prevent them from becoming a victim of crime.
“Tackling burglary continues to be a priority for the Constabulary, particularly those involving people’s homes. It is very distressing to have a stranger enter your home and steal personal belongings.
“Despite having the lowest burglary figures in the country, investigations show that that this number could be greatly reduced if we all simply remembered to keep possessions safe, hidden and lock up our homes and cars.
“In a matter of minutes thieves can take advantage of an opportunity; remember to lock windows and doors of your home when you go out. It is also important to secure the windows and doors that are easily accessible to thieves when you are upstairs or in your garden.
“I would also urge people to ensure that they take the following advice to ensure the safety of your car; closing windows, locking doors and activating security alarms when leaving your car, even if only for a short time.
“Cumbria remains one of the safest places in the country, demonstrated by the low levels of crime we see year on year. We want our communities to help us keep it that way, and ensure that thieves do not spoil the start of summertime.”
Top tips to keep your house safe:
• Keep cash & valuables safe & well hidden so they can’t be seen or reached by thieves
• Lock doors & windows before you go out, removing keys from locks & keep them out of reach
• Leave a light on in a room & draw curtains when you go out at night
• Postcode your valuables with a UV pen, considering registering them on www.immobilise.com
• Cancel newspapers, milk etc when you go on holiday
• Look out for your neighbours property
• Make sure callers to your home are genuine, always ask for ID
• Home security advice: www.cumbria.police.uk/burglary-home-security
Top tips to keep your car safe:
• Park in a busy, well lit area or secure car park if possible
• Close windows, sunroof, lock doors & activate security alarms when leaving your car
• Do not leave valuables or shopping on display in your car
• Take possessions & valuables with you when you leave your car, eg: coats, jackets, cash, credit cards, mobile phones, sat nav systems etc
• If you have no choice, make sure valuables & shopping are locked in the boot; taking care no-one is watching you
• Never leave keys in the ignition, even if only for a short time & on cold days, don’t leave your car unattended with the engine running while it warms up
• Always keep your keys secure
• Car security advice: www.cumbria.police.uk/car-security
For more information and useful crime prevention advice visit the Cumbria Constabulary website at www.cumbria.police.uk or contact you local Neighbourhood Policing Team on 0845 33 00 247.
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