Police in Harrow are urging residents to take simple steps to secure their home as a crackdown gets underway to tackle the rise in residential burglary offences traditionally seen during autumn and winter nights.
Whilst overall Harrow has seen fewer residential burglaries in the past year, there tends to be a seasonal increase in burglary during this period. This coincides with the clocks going back on 25 October, increasing the hours of darkness, and potentially providing criminals with more opportunities.
Officers in Harrow will be visible carrying out extra patrols, visiting homes and schools and setting up crime prevention stalls in numerous places across the borough.
They will employ a range of proactive measures including traditional tactics and the use of science and technology.
Harrow Borough Commander, Simon Ovens said, "Burglary has a painful and long lasting effect on its victims and the Met is committed to driving down the number of offences. Officers work hard every day to prevent burglaries, arrest offenders and support victims.”
As the clocks go back and nights draw in, homes remain in darkness for longer, making them easier targets. The public is advised to:
- Ensure doors and windows are properly locked with a key when leaving home;
- Use time switches to operate lights in the home;
- If you have an alarm in you home ensure that you set it every time you go out;
- Keep valuables out of sight and out of reach;
- Lock side gates and store bins behind them;
- Avoid leaving packaging outside, which indicate you have expensive new items in your home;
- Photograph expensive items such as jewellery;
- Keep jewellery locked away in a secured and fixed safe within your home;
- Register all your valuables for free at www.immobilise.com
