Thames Valley Police has been working in partnership with Aylesbury Vale District Council (AVDC) to launch Operation Arctic this month which will focus on tackling and raising awareness of winter time burglary.
The operation will run until February 2014 to combat burglaries and target those who commit these crimes during the darker winter months.
As the darker nights are drawing in and the clocks go back on Sunday 27/10, it is important to think about following these simple steps to help to prevent your home from becoming the next target by opportunist criminals:
- Using timer switches help to give the impression that your home is occupied.
- A burglar alarm is still one of the best deterrents.
- Register your valuables on www.immobilise.com. Its free and takes just a few minutes and if your valuables are stolen, will allow you to tell the police, your insurer, and the second-hand trade to assist in recovering your property and catch the thief
- Ensure that desirable items such as I-pad, I-phones, Laptops, PlayStations and jewellery are keep away from view so as not to attract attention.
- Invest in some additional locks for windows and back doors to improve security, remember if you have a UPVC door make sure you have double locked it, and turn the key in the door whilst in the house.
Insp James Davies told Mix 96
“Aylesbury Vale has seen a seven percent reduction in burglary dwellings, since April 2013. However, as the nights draw in, we need to start to re-visit security measures to keep safe and deter opportunist burglars that intend to use the cover of darkness to commit crime.
We aim to raise awareness of winter time burglary and we will be working in partnership with Aylesbury Vale District Council to provide local residents with vital crime prevention advice, to help prevent themselves from becoming a victim of crime during the upcoming winter period.
The neighbourhood teams will be carrying out high visibility patrols in the town and the rural areas. The team will also be carrying out a series of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) operations during the winter period and proactively patrolling burglary hot spot areas to target known offenders.
If you have any concerns or just want some advice and information, approach your local neighbourhood officers who will be there to assist you.”
Councillor Pam Pearce, Cabinet Member for Community Matters at Aylesbury Vale District Council added:
“Being the victim of burglary is upsetting for those involved, we want homeowners to think carefully about home security and take some personal responsibility, Prevention is the message we want to get across.”
News sourse: Mix96
If you are looking to increase your home security as we move into winter and the darker nights please give us a call on 01442 531031 to arrange your no oblications security survey. Our wireless burglar alarms can be installed with minimum fuss and disruption giving you the peace of mind you need. Alternatively please email any questions.
