From the home watch desk

At a recent meeting I attended it was highlighted that during the month of June traditionally there can be an increase in domestic burglary in the Crewe & Nantwich area. This can often be due to sneak in burglaries which are more prevalent during warmer weather due to easier access via unlocked doors and open windows. From previous alerts you will be aware of the crime prevention advice in relation to these types of crimes.

In April 2011 43% of burglaries in a dwelling in this area were sneak in burglaries which helps to highlight how commonly this is used as a method of entry to people's homes. Many of us have excellent door and window locks available and levels of security that would help to prevent this type of incident but unfortunately despite publicity in recent years people still fall foul of this type of burglary for various reasons, particularly at this time of year. Sneak in burglaries are an ideal option for opportunist thieves as they take minimum effort on their part as they can be in and out of properties in a matter of seconds via convenient entry points. They do not need to physically break in which would raise the chances of them being spotted and increase the risk of them leaving behind something of evidential value and they do not need to carry or find anything that could assist them in carrying out these crimes.

Secondly, items such as fishing tackle and bicycles appear to have been some of the most common items removed in shed breaks in the area. Some of the thefts from sheds will also be the result of sneak in thefts where similarly to houses sheds are accidentally left insecure after use during the day and overnight. It is important to lock your shed when it is not in use. If you do have such items try to take extra precautions to protect them. If items are of particular value ensure they are insured. Consider property marking these items and taking a log of what you have for insurance and identification purposes should they be stolen. Items of value can be further secured within sheds and outbuildings by chaining them to a fixed anchor point on a floor or wall or they can be locked into a metal cage or storage box to increase the layers of security. It is worthwhile to lock up your bicycle even if it is within your shed or garden - the majority of bikes are taken from private property as opposed to public places as many people would imagine. In essence public places have greater natural surveillance and we tend to lock up our items at these sites whereas at home many of us will wheel our bikes into the garden and prop up against a wall - with less natural surveillance these can be an easy items to take for an opportunist thief as they are both valuable and provide a ready made means of escape for them.

As home watch coordinators and members you will be more than aware of the above issues as they are regularly highlighted. However, these types of crimes continue to occur throughout the area as a whole so can I ask you to reiterate this message as June approaches and also share with friends and family members.