It is known from previous crime figures that this time of year sees an increase in burglary.

With assistance from the public, MPAC’s effectiveness in reducing the threat of crime is increased and our communities are more ‘safe and sound’.

Caroline Ellis, MPAC Assistant Officer, suggests these simple, practical steps be followed by local residents to help the community ensure that people can only enter your homes if invited:

1. Lock doors, windows and side gates when you go out, even it it’s only for a few minutes.
2. Lock up when you go to bed – put the keys somewhere you can find them quickly but keep them out of sight of prowlers to prevent letterbox burglaries
3. Keep keys away from the door. Don’t leave a spare key concealed outside the house – burglars know where to look.
4. Don’t let people see into your home – put up net curtains or draw curtains and blinds when the lights are on. Where possible, keep valuables out of sight.
5. Keep ladders locked up or out of sight so they can’t be used to gain access to windows.
6. When you go out make it look as if your house is occupied. Leave lights and a radio or TV on or on a timer switch. When you go on holiday, arrange for a neighbour to pick up letters or park their car on your driveway.

“If you follow this advice you can help deny burglars the opportunity and keep your house safe and sound,” Caroline Ellis said.

Ends

Further information on crime prevention can be found at http://www.met.police.uk/crimeprevention
Or by contacting the Crime Prevention Unit at Wimbledon Police station on
020 8649 3249

For information on Neighbourhood Watch schemes in Merton contact Sgt Annette Anderson on 020 9649 4021

Press Contact: Georgina Hart 0208 545 3483