Beat the burglar as nights close in

Police across South East Essex are urging residents to help them beat the burglar.


Photo: A police officer patrols at dusk

Last year the area saw a spate of burglaries in the run up to Christmas, which continued into early 2010.

This year, local officers are keen to prevent a recurrence of such a spate by encouraging local residents to play their part in beating the burglar.

Sergeant Tracey Butt, who supervises the neighbourhood policing team in Eastwood, explained: “Most burglars will avoid confrontation and are looking for an easy target. The last thing they want is to be caught in the act and if they see a potential target house but think the occupant may be at home, the chances are they will think twice.

 It really is worth planning your home security every time you go out.
Sgt Butt

“Therefore, when residents are away from home and leave a house in complete darkness, they are advertising their absence to would-be burglars. There is an easy answer to this – leave a light on.

“Leaving a light on or a radio playing when you’re out for the evening is a great deterrent. If you’re away for a longer period of time, use timer switches to save energy.

"Also call upon a trusted neighbour or friend to keep an eye on your property and push through any post that may get left hanging out of the letterbox.”

Officers will be patrolling their local neighbourhoods throughout the darker months and, if they see a vulnerable property, they will drop a leaflet through the door advising the resident how to better secure their home.

Local residents are also asked to keep an eye out for their neighbours and pass on this helpful advice.

Sgt Butt added: “It really is worth planning your home security every time you go out, to ensure your house doesn’t attract unwanted attention from burglars.”