NEWS RELEASE 08/03/2004

Police Warning on Sneak-in Burglars

BEDFORDSHIRE Police are urging householders to ensure doors are properly locked at night following a spate of burglaries where handbags have been snatched. Officers say there have been at least seven incidents in the last fortnight in the Shillington, Stotfold and Ampthill areas where offenders have made their way through front or back doors while the occupants are in. The offenders have struck during the evening or overnight and escaped unnoticed with handbags, some of which have contained cash, mobile telephones, car keys, chequebooks and bank cards. DI Mick Roach, at Dunstable CID, urged householders to ensure doors are deadlocked and top and bottom bolts are in place. He said: “Our advice always ensure doors and windows are locked, regardless of whether you are upstairs doing the cleaning, in the lounge watching television or have gone to bed for the night. “Never be tempted to leave valuables such as car keys, mobile telephones and handbags where they can be seen, such as on the kitchen table. Fortunately no vehicles have been taken in this current series of burglaries, but they have in the past.” Other ways to deter burglars include: * Fitting outside security lights and putting gates across side passages * Leaving lights and a radio on when you go out * Double checking fences and boundaries for weak spots * Fit security features such as window locks, patio door locks and a burglar alarm * Never leave keys under mats and flower pots, it’s the first place burglars look * Keep an eye out for strangers in your street. If you are suspicious, call the police. * Help protect your neighbourhood by joining Home Watch, or becoming a co-ordinator For information about getting involved in Home Watch telephone Home Watch coordinator Lesley Webb on 01582 473270 or for crime prevention advice telephone Crime Reduction Officer Sgt Dave Rollings on 01582 473273.