I want to keep you up to date regarding local crime trends in your area in order to help you stay safe and prevent you becoming a victim of crime.
Recently, there has been a series of burglaries, specifically targeting homes in Brittains Lane, Farnaby Drive, Darent Close, and Marlborough Crescent. These incidents have occurred between 25th October and 2nd November, with suspects gaining entry through rear patio doors, with a suggestion that they are targeting jewellery.
The above cases are currently under investigation by specialist officers and additional resources have been deployed to the local area.
I would encourage anyone with information regarding these incidents to get in contact with police.
Stay vigilant and call police
I also want to remind you of the importance of reporting any suspicious activity in and around these areas immediately by calling 999. The police would prefer to respond to false alarms than to miss an opportunity to prevent or detect a crime.
Stay extra vigilant and consider some of the tips below to minimise the risk of falling victim to these crimes.
Crime prevention tips
Secure Garden Gates: Install sturdy locks on garden gates to prevent unauthorised access to the rear of your property.
Fencing: Use tall, solid fencing to restrict visibility and make it more challenging for burglars to scope out your property.
Thorny Plants: Plant thorny shrubs or bushes around accessible fencing/gates to create a natural deterrent and make it uncomfortable for intruders to approach.
Alarm System: Extend your home security system to include sensors for the rear garden, triggering an alarm if someone enters the area.
Visible Cameras: Install visible CCTV aimed at the rear of your property, acting as both a deterrent and a tool for identifying potential offenders.
Secure Valuables: Avoid leaving valuable items visible from the outside, reducing the motivation for burglars to target your home. Store jewellery in a secure location.
Motion-Activated Sirens: Install outdoor motion-activated sirens that will loudly alert you and neighbours if someone enters the rear of your property.
Install Security Lighting: Illuminate the rear of your property with motion-activated lights to deter burglars and make their entry more visible.
Reinforce Patio Doors: Use strong materials like laminated glass or install security film to reinforce patio doors, making them more resistant to break-ins.
Upgrade Locks: Install high-quality locks on patio doors, preferably deadbolts and consider adding a secondary locking mechanism for extra security.
Visible Signage: Display signs indicating the presence of a security system, even if you don't have one. This can act as a deterrent.
Smart Home Security: Invest in smart security systems with cameras, door/window sensors, and alarms that can be monitored remotely.
Know Your Neighbours: Build good relationships with neighbours, so they can report any suspicious activity, especially when you're away.
