Summer burglary blitz

Police are warning home owners to secure their property

So far in July, Lancashire Police has received 119 reports of burglary in a dwelling across Western division which includes Blackpool and the Fylde coast.

Of these burglaries, 54 reports relate to homes being left insecure.

Officers want to remind homeowners to be vigilant – particularly when leaving windows open in hot weather.

And they are calling on residents to take simple crime fighting steps to ensure their homes, sheds and cars don’t become a target for opportunist thieves.

Det Sgt Neil Smith said: “Burglary is not a crime against the property but the person.

“ It can have a truly devastating effect on how people feel in their own homes –often leaving that person feeling vulnerable, scared and anxious.

“It can also have a profound impact on the local community.

“We know that more than one in three burglaries happen when a property has been left insecure – and during the summer months when the weather is nice, people are more inclined to take extra risks, by leaving a window open for instance.

“We want to encourage people to take some simple steps to help themselves and reduce their chances of becoming a victim.

“The message from the campaign is clear – Be wise at home. Keep your windows and doors locked.”

Keeping windows and doors locked isn’t the only advice police are giving to help avoid becoming a victim of burglary.

Other potential steps includes fitting an alarm system, ensuring it’s activated and adding strong locks to sheds, garages and other outbuildings.

Other practical advice includes leaving lights on when you go out, using timers to turn on lights at pre-set times and fitting outdoor security lights.

In addition to home security police have warned about leaving electronic devices, such as sat navs, MP3 players, mobile phones and laptop computers, on show in cars and vans.

For more information about the campaign and how to protect your home, outbuildings and valuables please visit: www.lancashire.police.uk/burglary.

Members of the public are reminded they can report anything suspicious by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.