Burglary - Residential - Herts Connected

Burglary - Residential

Dear Resident,

Recent Increase in Burglaries - Help Protect Your Home

We have seen an increase in burglary offences across the area recently and would like to remind residents to take a few simple steps to reduce the risk of becoming a victim.

Burglars will often target properties that appear insecure or unoccupied. Taking time to "target harden" your home can make it far less attractive to offenders.

Please consider the following crime prevention measures:

Ensure all doors and windows are locked, even when you are at home.

Fit and use good-quality door and window locks.

Install CCTV, video doorbells, or alarm systems where possible.

Use exterior security lighting, particularly at access points and vulnerable areas.

Keep gates, sheds, garages and outbuildings secure.

Consider defensive planting such as thorny shrubs beneath windows and along boundaries.

Keep valuables out of sight from windows.

Avoid leaving keys near doors, letterboxes or windows.

If you are going away, make your property look occupied:

Use timer switches on lights, radios or lamps.

Ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property.

Arrange for post to be collected or use Royal Mail's Keepsafe service.

Avoid advertising holidays and absences on social media.

Most burglars are looking for an easy opportunity. By taking a few simple precautions, you can significantly reduce the chances of your home being targeted.

If you notice any suspicious behaviour or unknown individuals acting suspiciously around properties, please report it to Hertfordshire Police. In an emergency or if a crime is in progress, always call 999.

Thank you for helping to keep our communities safe.

If you need to report a crime please call 101 or go online here.

For more detailed advice, including a printable Home Security Self-Assessment, please visit the “Protect Your Home” section of our website: www.herts.police.uk/ProtectYourHome

Please consider completing the Priority Survey which feeds into the next round of the Local Neighbourhood Police Team Priorities:

Please click here to complete the survey

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Message Sent By
William Frank
(Hertfordshire Constabulary, PCSO, St Albans - London Colney, St Stephens & St Albans East)