Police Issue Warning About Open Doors and Windows During Heatwave
Residents Urged to Stay Safe from Burglary and Theft
With temperatures soaring during the current heatwave, West Mercia Police is reminding residents to be cautious about their home security.
The police force is advising people not to leave doors and windows open when they are not at home or in another part of the house, as this could make them vulnerable to burglary and theft.
To ensure safety, it is recommended to keep front, patio, and back doors closed and locked when not in use, as well as keeping gates locked when away from the property. Additionally, ground floor windows and external doors should be locked at night.
Even a small window can provide an opportunity for burglars to gain access, so it is crucial to keep all doors and windows locked when leaving the house. Furthermore, closing downstairs windows when leaving a room can help deter opportunistic thieves.
In addition to these precautions, residents can also take advantage of property marking schemes like SmartWater. This makes stolen items more difficult for thieves to sell.
Furthermore, if neighbors are away, it is encouraged to look after their property. Joining the local Neighbourhood Watch scheme can help in this regard.
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. For more information on Neighbourhood Watch, visit westmercia.police.uk/article/4529/Neighbourhood-Watch/.
For additional crime prevention advice, visit westmercia.police.uk/Home-security.
If you witness suspicious activity or need to report a crime, you can visit westmercia.police.uk/report or call 101.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.