Last year 43% of the total sum of the year's burglaries took place between Ocober and January. The yearly average went up from 52 to 68 per month during that period.
A large part of the problem is that people are often out of the house after it gets dark and burglars are known to take advantage of this. Residents are therefore being advised that there are a number of steps they can take to protect their properties more.
-use timers on lights, radios and audio systems to come on when it gets dark to make it look and soundlike you are at home; change the rooms used and times to avoid predictability.
-install exterior lighrs such as those ehich turn on when someone comes into their field of vision.
-remove front and back door keys from locks and place them out of sight.
-always remember to keep doors and windows locked.
If you see anyone acting suspiciously do not hesitate to call the police on 999 immediately. If you need information non-urgently then call Sutton olice station on 111
