Police Warn Against Open Doors and Windows During Heatwave
Residents Urged to Stay Safe from Burglary and Theft
With the current heatwave, it’s understandable that residents want to let some fresh air into their homes. However, West Mercia Police is cautioning against leaving doors and windows open when no one is home or in another part of the house.
The police force is reminding people to prioritize their home security during this time.
To stay safe, it is advised to keep front, patio, and back doors closed and locked when not in use. Additionally, gates should be locked when away from the property, and ground floor windows and external doors should be locked at night.
Even a small window can provide an opportunity for burglars, so it’s crucial to ensure all doors and windows are locked when leaving the house.
Remember, when leaving a room, make sure to shut downstairs windows to deter potential thieves.
In addition to these precautions, residents can also benefit from property marking schemes like SmartWater. This makes stolen items more difficult for thieves to sell.
If you’re going away, it’s encouraged to look after your neighbor’s property. Joining your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme can help with this.
Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators play a vital role in keeping the community informed about criminal activity, providing crime prevention advice, and resolving local issues.
Local members are urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity they observe.
For more information about Neighbourhood Watch, visit westmercia.police.uk/article/4529/Neighbourhood-Watch/.
For additional crime prevention advice, go to westmercia.police.uk/Home-security.
If you need to report suspicious activity or a crime, visit westmercia.police.uk/report or call 101.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.