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09:00 01/12/2020
As nights draw in and Christmas gets closer, it is important for everyone to protect their house so they're not an attractive target for burglars.
We know that the period following the clocks going back and in the run up to Christmas often sees the number of burglaries start to rise. We will of course be out on patrol, targeting offenders and locations across the Thames Valley, only with COVID restrictions in place some of our traditional crime prevention outreach work has not been possible. Burglary is significantly down on previous reported levels, but we must not be complacent. These figures will no doubt have been impacted by the stringent lockdown measures that have been in force earlier in the year and most recently through the month of November.
You can reduce the risk of becoming a victim of burglary by taking a few simple steps.
If you’re getting items delivered please make sure you:
As many of us are likely to be celebrating at home this Christmas, please:
Keyless car theft
Detective Superintendent Ailsa Kent, the force lead for burglary said: “As Christmas draws ever closer and much of our shopping is done online, it’s more important than ever to be protecting you home and belongings from burglars.
“Please make sure items are delivered when you are at home to receive them, or have them delivered to a trusted alternative address. Also be sure to cut up packaging, especially for any expensive items, so that it will fit inside your refuse bin - never leave boxes next to the bin where they can be seen.
“Remember, if you leave your purchases and gifts on display or you’re sharing photos of them on social media, potential burglars can also see these. Don’t give burglars a sneak preview of your gifts this Christmas!”
Notes to editors
Detective Superintendent Ailsa Kent is available for interviews about burglary in the Thames Valley in the lead up to Christmas. Please contact our media office for further details.
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