Officers in Hart and Rushmoor are reminding residents what simple steps they can take to help deter any would-be burglars as the nights draw in.

Fewer daylight hours mean it can become more obvious which homes are empty, leaving them more vulnerable to thieves.

Tackling burglaries in the area is a top priority for officers, with neighbourhood teams going out on patrols and offering advice to communities.

They know only too well what potential thieves are on the lookout for when considering homes and sheds to target.

Chief Inspector Karen McManus said: “I know how devastating it can be to have your home broken into and we are working hard to stop those who think it is ok to take what they want from others.

“With the days getting shorter many of us are not home from work before it gets dark and a home in darkness can be a tempting opportunity for burglars.

“But there are simple steps that we can all take to help ensure we don’t give them the heads up that our homes are empty.

“User timer switches to switch on lights as darkness falls and putting on the radio on can make a home look and sound occupied, leaving would-be thieves to think twice about targeting your home.

“We also know that burglars don’t like the spotlight, so make sure your external lighting is working and if you haven’t got any, get some installed.

“I’d also urge residents to just check their back gates, ensure they are locked so that burglars don’t have easy access to your property.

“Look out for each other and if you spot anyone acting suspiciously in your street, or see a car hanging around that doesn’t belong to your neighbours, let us know.”

She added: “I would also encourage residents to keep any valuable items, such as jewellery out of sight where possible.

“A jewellery box on display on a shelf or windowsill can attract the wrong attention and simply keeping it out of view will make your home seem less attractive to opportunistic criminals.”

If you have any concerns about suspicious activity in your neighbourhood please contact us on 101 or 999 in an emergency.
Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

For further crime prevention tips head to one of the crime prevention roadshows hitting the streets of Hart and Rushmoor next month.

Safer North Hampshire will be hosting these on December 3 at Princes Mead, Farnborough, at Hart Shopping Centre on December 18 and at the Wellington Centre, in Aldershot on December 20.