Cheshire Police say Lock it or Lose it after burglary spate across the county

Subject: Cheshire Police say Lock it or Lose it after burglary spate across the county

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Dan Hind (Police, Media, Chesh Engagement Unit)

Cheshire Police are urging residents to lock it or lose it following a number of burglaries across the county.
The simple step of locking your door whether you’re in, or out, is vital in keeping opportunist thieves from your door.
Between 13 and 15 January 2017 police received a number of reports of burglaries in the north and east of the county. Out of the seven burglaries five of the properties were unlocked at the time.
Superintendent Peter Crowcroft said: "It’s important to take some time to assess your current security measures at home and see if they could be improved. However, the first rule of crime prevention, and you might think is obvious, is to keep the door locked and secure, whether it is your home, shed or outbuilding. That applies whether you’re in or out.
“We all have busy lives and some things get overlooked and locking the door seems to be one of them, giving opportunist thieves access to your hard earned goods. So take the time to check, have you locked your door?
“You might think it’s okay to leave the door unlocked because you’re in the house, but that doesn’t stop brazen thieves who often sneak in unnoticed, undeterred that you’re home.
“As well as locking your doors and windows, we also advise you don’t leave valuables, or keys, near windows where they can be seen from the outside. It’s an added incentive for a burglar if he knows there’s something good on offer before he goes in.
"And if you see anyone acting suspiciously, call police on 101 and report it. You may be doing your neighbours − or yourself- a big favour.”
You can make your house look lived in and keep your home safe and secure, by taking a few simple steps:
• Consider using a timer to set your lights and radio to come on while you’re out
• Make sure all your doors and windows are secure
• Don’t leave valuables including purses, handbags and car keys on display or near external doors
• Don’t leave keys near the door or in view
• Consider security marking valuable items with your house number and postcode with a UV pen, or mark it using property marking kits which consist of a traceable liquid to forensically mark valuables