Homeowners warned of 'walk-in' burglaries over the summer
Cumbria Police are warning homeowners to remain vigilant over the summer.
They say despite a 9.8% reduction in burglaries in Cumbria between 2016 and 2017, almost half of the burglaries were classed as insecure or sneak-in offences which could have been prevented.
Police say people tend to leave their doors and windows unlocked or just open during the summer, sometimes even when they leave the house.
Tips on keeping your home safe include:
Lock doors and windows before you go out
Remove keys from locks and keep out of reach of windows and doors
Ensure side gates and sheds are locked
Keep gifts, cash and valuables safe and well hidden, so they can’t be seen or reached by thieves
Consider fitting a burglar alarm and low energy dusk to dawn lighting, check regularly to ensure they work
Ensure your house is secure, preventing someone entering when you are busy elsewhere in the house or garden
Postcode your valuables with a UV pen, consider registering them on www.immobilise.com
Leave a light on in a room and draw curtains when you go out at night• Look out for your neighbour’s property
Consider joining a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme
Cancel newspapers, milk, etc when you go on holiday
Make sure callers to your home are genuine, always ask for ID