West Mercia Police has issued an appeal for help from the public after a series of burglaries in homes across Worcestershire and Herefordshire and urged homeowners to review their security systems. The Police said they believe the crimes are linked.
They have led to jewellery, high value items and cash being stolen. The incidents have taken place during the evening at homes that are vacant and unlit and it is understood that the offenders have usually entered through the rear of properties.
West Mercia Detective Inspector Dave Knight said: “While responsibility for these crimes will always lie with the offenders, we are encouraging the public to review their security. We know the offenders often target unlit homes during the evening, so a timer for inside lights is a useful security measure.
“We also know they often enter through the rear of properties so please take extra care to ensure rear and patio doors are secured and property kept in outbuildings, garages and sheds locked away when not in use.”
As noted in a previous blog, the longer hours of darkness in the winter mean homeowners need to take security seriously and ensure the intruder alarm or CCTV systems that they have are working properly. Additionally other measures, such as making sure all your doors, windows and outside gates are locked when you are out is essential. Security lights that come on when they approach will also deter burglars as they are no longer breaking in under the cover of darkness.
Ecl-ips is an NSI Gold-approved security systems provider based in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire. We particularly specialise in security systems for larger residential properties, which could be a target for burglars. A reliable intruder alarm system that has internal sensors that cover entry and exit points into the house will make the property more secure. The modern systems we provide have apps that send notifications to mobile devices and you can opt for remote monitoring by an alarm receiving centre (ARC) if required.
Meanwhile, if you have a large house and garden ensuring that you have security cameras that can capture the movement of people and vehicles around your property at night is important if you want to be completely confident about security in winter. The right cameras could also protect the perimeter of your property where there may be hedges or foliage.
If you need to review your security systems and want to know more about how we could support homeowners please contact us.