Summer burglaries –Stay secure, don’t make it easy for burglars

A burglary in your own home is a devastating experience but the good news is that Sussex is one of the safest places to live in the UK and we have one of the lowest rates of burglary across England and Wales. But, although the number of burglaries across Sussex is relatively low, there is an added risk during the summer because windows, doors and garages are often left open, and tools and valuables may be left lying around outside.

Opportunist summer burglars may:

• enter an insecure front door while residents are in the back garden

• enter doors that are closed but unlocked at night while residents are asleep

• reach through windows to take valuable items.

Summer burglary prevention tips:

• If you are out in the back garden, ensure that your front door is secure.

• Put your garden tools and games away into a secure garage or tools shed after using them, they could be used to break into your home, or your neighbours'.

• If you want to leave windows open while you sleep, fit window restrictors so they cannot be fully opened, or make sure they are not large enough to allow access to a burglar.

• Keep all wallets, purses, credit cards, car keys and other valuables out of sight

• If you park your car out in the countryside, take your bag or wallet with you and don't leave other belongings on view in your car. Even an old coat left in sight could tempt someone to break in.

• When you leave a room unattended, close the windows & doors - especially on the ground floor.

If you are concerned about anything suspicious, please call Sussex Police on 101 or report it online at www.sussex.police.uk. In an emergency, always dial 999.

Our opening hours are:

Monday - Friday 09:30 - 12:30 and 14:30 - 17:00

Beeson House, Lintot Square, Southwater Tel: 01403 734417