Burglary crime prevention advice

Burglary crime prevention advice

Dear residents,

As we are entering the warmer months, please be alert and take precautions to stop burglars and thieves from targeting your properties. Be aware of leaving windows and doors open or unlocked, opportunist thieves can take advantage of this. We have had several burglaries where suspects have entered properties by climbing scaffolding to access windows so please be vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

We have also had distraction burglaries where suspects are saying that they are from a company i.e. the water board and need to check inside of the property. Please ask for identification prior to letting anyone into your property and if you have any concerns that they are bogus, contact the police and do not let them in.

Parcel thefts - We have had parcels stolen from outside addresses, especially in communal areas. If you have parcels delivered please try and have a safe place for them to be left, i.e. a neighbour or secure area. If someone asks you to move your vehicle for a delivery, make sure that if you have to do so that you close and lock your door prior to moving it.

Our local ward teams are on hand to give you further advice should you require it.

While we will continue to pursue burglars in the area, there are additional steps you can do to help keep your property safe. Make sure that you:

Double lock your door every time you leave the house

If you can, move garden furniture or bins away from windows so that thieves cannot use them to gain access.

Use laminated glass or security film on ground floor and accessible windows.

Use a sash stop if you have sash windows to prevent people opening them enough to climb through.

If your windows open outwards, use a key operated lock – check these are locked before leaving the house.

Make sure all valuables are out of sight.

Keep handbags and keys away from letterboxes or cat flaps.

In the evening shut the curtains and leave lights on.

Set your burglar alarm

Lock your shed or garage

Mark, register or record your valuables.

Please go to our website to find the latest advice and guidance on keeping yourself safe.

If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.met.police.uk/, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.

We are working on our brand-new strategy for how we police London and we want your help. Our New Met for London: Phase 2 strategy will guide how we deliver on behalf of Londoners over the next three years.

Thank you

James

Chief Inspector James Weston

Westminster Safer neighbourhoods

AW BCU

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James Weston
(Metropolitan Police, Chief Inspector, Westminster)