[C]umbria Constabulary is urging people in Carlisle to take basic precautions to protect their property after receiving numerous reports of burglaries at insecure homes.
There has been an increase in the number of burglaries particularly in the west area of the City, most of which were marked as being insecure/sneak-in burglaries.
The trend has continued this week.
- On 6/9/17 in Wigton Road, Carlisle, an offender entered a property via an unlocked front door before fleeing after being disturbed.
- On 3/9/17 in Mcilmoyle Way, Carlisle, an offender entered a property via an unlocked front door, took the car keys and carried out an untidy search of the car.
- On 2/9/17 in Borrowdale Road, Carlisle, an offender entered a home through an unlocked front door but fled after being disturbed.
- On 2/9/17 in Woodend Drive, Carlisle, an offender entered a home via forcing patio doors open and stealing jewellery.
- On 31/08/17 in Langrigg Road, Carlisle, an offender entered a home via the unlocked front door but fled after being disturbed.
Detective Inspector Dave Cooper, North Cumbria CID, said: “Being burgled is an incredibly traumatic experience which I wouldn’t wish on anyone. Knowing someone has been into your house, going through your possessions, can be devastating.
“In some of the examples we’ve given today, the burglars have even been inside homes whilst people were in the house.
“Our message is a simple one – burglars are looking for the easiest targets they can find. The unlocked door. The open window.
“Taking simple precautions such as locking doors and windows and keeping keys, wallets and other valuables out of sight can dramatically reduce the chance of being burgled.”
Anyone who has any suspicion that someone may be in the process of burgling their home or a neighbour’s home, should contact police immediately.
Suspicious activity to look out for includes the activation of security lights, dogs barking, house/car alarms activating and seeing prowlers in the area.
What can you do? Some simple, basic advice is:
- Lock doors and windows before you go out or go to bed
- 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
