BURGLARY VICTIMS URGE OTHERS TO PROTECT HOMES
A number of burglary victims from across Nottinghamshire are joining police to urge others to do whatever they can to protect their homes.The advice comes as officers look to reduce burglaries at homes and businesses over the festive period.For the past few years the number of burglaries across Nottinghamshire has reduced, but figures recently show reports are beginning to climb.
With manufacturers using increased security measures such as trackers and immobilisers to protect vehicles, thieves may look to break-in to properties to steal car keys. Det Ch Inspector Simon Firth, who is leading the burglary reduction initiative, said: “We have seen an increasing number of break-ins at homes where car keys seem to be the main target. What we also find is a lot of people leave their keys on the side, just inside the front door – a seemingly convenient place to put them as you return home. It is also an extremely convenient place for a thief, who can smash a window and grab them or walk in through an unlocked door, pick them up and drive away with the vehicle. Hiding keys away from view, in a drawer or a cupboard that is easily accessible but away from prying eyes is the safest option.”
Jacqui Radford, of West Bridgford, had her car stolen after thieves forced the patio door, taking keys from an unlocked key cupboard in the hall, while they were asleep upstairs. They drove away in her vehicle, stealing other items such as a phone and a purse as well. She said: “I never thought this would happen when we are actually in the house. You don’t think about the impact that something like this has until it happens to you. My life was hijacked for several days while I had to sort out the insurance and cancel bank cards. Normal life was put on hold.T here is also the part where you are awake listening for every noise. It is not pleasant to not feel safe in your own home. We are having a full overhaul of our security now, looking at all the little things we could have done. I would urge everyone to look at their own security and do all they can to protect their home.” A 24-year-old man has since been charged with burglary at the address, and remanded into custody.
Thieves will take any opportunity to make quick money. Unlocked doors or open windows give them an easy way to get in and out, often unnoticed.A third of all burglaries are committed by a thief trying a door and walking in, or reaching in through an open window.
And unfortunately with more strain on the finances, due to the economic climate, some people may be inclined to risk picking up a bargain – namely goods stolen from others.
Darren Surgey, one of the Force’s pre-crime managers, said: “Many of us save all year to buy expensive gifts and gadgets for our loved ones. This also means valuable goods are a lot more accessible than at other times of the year.
“Burglars don’t think about how breaking into a person’s home will make them feel. They will take anything they think can be sold on. If you are offered something at a price that seems too good to be true, it probably is, but it could actually have been taken from one of your relatives, a neighbour or a friend.”
A burglary is extremely distressing and can have both short and long-term effects on victims of all ages.
A 36-year-old woman from Basford, who was burgled in August, said: “We were at home when we were broken into, our car keys were taken and the car driven away. F or several weeks after, before my little girl went to bed, she would want us to check every room in the house to make sure the ‘bad man who broke in’ wasn’t there. I always thought I would be able to cope with anything, but to see her frightened in our own home, where she should feel safest, was heartbreaking. I still struggle to get to sle ep; the slightest noise wakes me up, and even now I can’t doze off until the early hours of the morning, a few hours after when we were broken into. Hide away your keys, set your alarm while in bed and make sure everything is locked – it will help save hours of inconvenience and upset.”
A month-long operation to crack down on burglary began on 1 December, and will see additional resources, including Special Constables, officers working longer hours, and targeted patrols to reduce acquisitive crime. A number of known offenders will also be visited throughout the initiative.
Anyone with any information about those committing burglaries is asked to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.