Bromley police launch burglary prevention campaign (From News Shopper)

Bromley police launch burglary prevention campaign

3:11pm Tuesday 2nd October 2012 in Bromley By Heloise Wood

BROMLEY police are launching an anti-burglary campaign to remind people of simple prevention measures.

A police spokesman said break-ins increase at this time of year when evenings grow darker making properties more vulnerable because it is easier to tell if no one is home.

The campaign includes increased patrols and enforcements including both covert and overt policing patrols, especially in the areas that are experiencing high numbers of burglaries.

Specialist Met Police teams will also be supporting borough policing and dedicated investigation staff will help trace and arrest wanted or suspected burglars. 

Officers will be conducting high visibility policing patrols throughout the six to eight week initiative and there will also be a focus on known burglars and those with previous convictions.

Bromley Police Detective Chief Inspector Andy Furphy said: "Burglary, on the whole, is an opportunist crime, often resulting from insecure premises.

"A burglar will select their target because it offers them the best opportunity to carry out their crime undetected and with the fewest number of obstacles in their way.

"A building that presents itself as unoccupied and insecure is far more likely to be targeted than one which is properly secured."

Ten top burglary prevention tips

1 Mark or etch your property with your postcode, house or flat number or the first three letters of your house name.

2 Register items with a serial number at immobilise.com

3 Do not leave your car keys, valuables or ID documents near a door, letterbox or window.

4 Always check who's at the door and don't open it if you feel anxious.

5 Close and lock all your doors and windows, even if you are only going out for a few minutes.

6 Keep your valuables out of sight.

7 Leave some lights on if it will be dark before you get home.

8 Fit a mortice lock to your front door and other external doors and consider installing a burglar alarm.

9 Always keep sheds and outbuildings locked.

10 Cancel milk or other deliveries if you will be away for days or weeks at a time.

Visit content.met.police.uk/Site/crimepreventionbumblebee for more information