Opportunist burglars target homes with open windows or patio doors

Bedfordshire Police has a standalone unit dedicated to tackling burglary. Officers from Operation Maze work to identify long-term crime hotspots, short-term spikes and key offending patterns. As well as investigating offences and carrying out disruptive tactics against known burglars.

Detective Sergeant Gemma Pugh, from Operation Maze, said:

“The impact of burglary crime goes far beyond the material items that are taken; victims are often left with longstanding feelings of being unsafe in their own homes.

“It’s therefore important for all of us to take whatever steps we can to reduce the chances of being burgled.

“I would encourage householders to invest in simple, low cost methods, such as window locks and timer switches for lights. If you are going out, make it look like there is someone in.

“Our team is committed to apprehending offenders known to be committing burglaries and has seen a number of individuals being sentenced to significant jail time this year.

“Notwithstanding this, any tactics we can use to stop the crime from happening in the first place are hugely beneficial.”

There are simple steps you can take to protect your home:

  • Make use of latches and locks on double glazed windows - let the air in, but keep the burglars out
  • Use your lights – keep them on a timer when you are out so it looks like someone is home
  • Make sure all doors to your home and vehicle are securely locked at all times. If you have a UPVC door, make sure it is double locked
  • Keep all valuables and keys safely out of sight from windows, both in your home and car
  • Close curtains when you have the light on indoors
  • Never leave garages or sheds unlocked after a gardening session – not only can valuable tools be appealing to thieves, they can also be used to force entry to your home
  • Don’t hide your keys under a doormat or in a flowerpot – it’s the first place a would-be offender will look
  • Ask a friend or neighbour to keep an eye on your house when you go away on holiday, and do the same for them
  • Remain alert to suspicious activity in your street
  • If you spot someone behaving suspiciously, contact police immediately
  • Security mark your property and register it at www.immobilise.com

 

Call 101 to report an incident, or 999 if a crime is in progress

You can also give information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111