Even in the winter, 20% of our burglaries are sneak-in’s, where thieves simply walk into home through an unlocked door. This figure rises to 30% during the summer. The Beat The Sneak campaign was launched in the spring of 2004 in an effort to tackle the problem.
There is no particular pattern to sneak in burglaries, a specific time or place for example, It’s an unlocked door or window that draws an opportunistic thief to the property. By taking a few simple steps, you can reduce the chances of becoming a victim of a sneak in burglary.
- Lock your doors, even if you are at home
- Alternatively, fit door chimes. They are cheap to buy and will alert you if your door is opened
- Don’t leave items on view. For example, handbags, purses, mobile phones, car keys left on kitchen worktops. A sneak in burglar will enter your property and remove them within seconds. If they’re near an open window, all they have to do is to reach through. You probably won’t even know about it until he/she’s long gone.
Remember a few seconds is all a sneak thief needs to make your life miserable – don’t make it easy for them!!
Get advice on home security – try www.crimereduction.gov.uk.
