With recent and upcoming festivities, we are continuing to see increased reports of burglaries 🏠

We have seen a number of burglaries in which cash and jewellery have been stolen from properties, with offenders typically accessing the property through first floor windows. 

While the force continues their nightly burglary patrols and our investigative teams deal with the burglaries that have taken place, we would like to encourage residents to continue to take the necessary steps to keep their homes as secure as possible. 

This includes: 

- Ensuring all doors and windows are securely locked at all times

- Taking steps when you leave the house to make it appear occupied, such as keeping a light on or utilising a timer switch - remember, burglars will usually be on the look out for properties they can see to be empty and do not typically want a confrontation 

- Ensuring any ladders you own are kept inside or locked away - we have seen burglars will often utilise what they can find at the property to break in, so it's best to keep any garden tools securely locked away also 

- Keep your valuables such as jewellery and cash out of sight and locked away where possible, if your household typically has large amounts of valuables items like fine jewellery or substantial amounts of cash, you may want to consider installing a safe in a place that is not easily discoverable

- Installing good quality CCTV and security systems, making sure these are always switched on and in working order  

You can find further crime prevention advice on our website: Crime prevention advice | Thames Valley Police 

You can also find more advice on the neighbourhood watch website as well as information on how you can become a member of your local neighbourhood watch, which can be highly effective in preventing burglary in your neighbourhood: Crime prevention | Neighbourhood Watch Network 

If you have any information regarding burglary in your neighbourhood please contact 101 or report online, always dial 999 if a crime is in progress