Crime Prevention

Thames Valley Police issues crime prevention advice to residents ahead of winter nights

With the dark nights approaching, Thames Valley Police has issued crime prevention advice, helping residents to protect their homes against burglary this winter.

Inspector Howard Rose, from the Bracknell Neighbourhood team, said: “There has been a national rise in residential burglary over the last few years. By taking a proactive approach, there are a number of practical steps that residents can take to reduce the risk of becoming a victim and helping to build resilience within our community by helping to protect others:

  • When going out, remember to light up your home using timer switches or a TV simulator.
  • Don’t leave valuables or cash on display and store your house and car keys away from your letterbox.
  • Move bins away from any side gates to prevent easy access into your property.
  • Lock any tools away to prevent them being used to break into your home.
  • Consider fitting a motion activated external light or installing a CCTV system.
  • Finally, mark your valuables using a UV pen and register them on the national property register at immobilise.com.

“As well as taking physical precautions, you should also take steps to protect your property online. Do not advertise on social media when you are away from home and remember to regularly change your internet router password.”