Burglary advice following series of thefts in North Wiltshire

Following a series of burglaries in the past couple of weeks in the Malmesbury and Royal Wootton Bassett area which we are investigating, we are asking people to be mindful about how they keep their property and belongings safe.

Remember, most burglars are opportunists, so here are some simple steps that can be taken to make your home less appealing.

Crime Prevention Advice – checklist

• Lock your doors and windows every time you leave the house, even when just in the garden. And make sure you have approved locks or bolts to all doors and windows.
• Never leave a spare key in a hiding place like in a plant pot or letter box - a thief knows all the hiding places
• Register all serial numbers from electrical items, tools and garden equipment with Immobilise.com the free national property register. Mark items without serial numbers with an artificial DNA property marker such as Smartwater or SelectaDNA.
• Use a timer to set lights to mimic your usual activity when you are not at home.
• Do not open the door to anyone you don't know or are not expecting.  Always check by using a spy-hole or look through a window. Don't trust an ID card.
• Trim back any plants and hedges at the front of your property to no higher than one meter to remove hiding places.
• Always report any suspicious activity, note any vehicle registrations, descriptions of persons involved and direction of travel.
• Consider installing a monitored burglar alarm, and only use a company that is registered or certified with the NSI or the SSIAB.
• Take photographs of all jewellery including hallmarks and keep them safe. Make sure that you have up to date contents insurance.
• Keep all keys, purses and wallets out of sight and away from the letterbox.

 Suspicious activity in your area? Report it.

Have you seen any suspicious activity in your neighbourhood? Call the police on 101 if you see any of the following:

• Anything suspicious or anyone acting suspicious in your neighbourhood
• Unknown or unexpected doorstep traders - description and dates are vital pieces of information
• Unusual vehicles - vehicle description, registration numbers and direction of travel are vital pieces of information.

If you have any information about offenders or see something suspicious, please call Wiltshire Police on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. In an emergency dial 999.

 Reminder

Be aware of your home security and build it in as part of your everyday routine; for example, locking a ladder away or a simple step like leaving a light on to make it look like someone is home could make all difference.