Warning over rise in burglaries in Walton on Thames
By MIKENEWS | Friday, October 07, 2011, 12:13
The Elmbridge Community Safety Partnership has issued a reminder to Walton on Thames residents to be careful about home security.
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Homes in Walton on Thames are seen as rich pickings for burglars
The borough has suffered a rise in both residential and non-residential burglaries in recent months and residents are being urged to be vigilant and take extra precautions to protect their property.
Peter Kipps. the Community Safety Partnership Manager, said "Crimes have predominantly been committed during daylight hours when residents are away from their premises, the offenders are often using tools found in the garden or left in poorly secured sheds and garages.
"There are some simple steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of burglary, from just making sure that items are locked away after use and ensuring that reasonable quality locks and fixings are used to secure garage and shed doors.
"Residents should also look to protect access into rear gardens by securing side gates and where possible using defensive planting to increase the difficulty for criminals to climb over fences. Whilst for front gardens the advice is to reduce the height of hedges so that there are clear sight lines, so that neighbours and passers by can see anyone loitering in your front garden or by your front door."
The Partnership has produced the "Rich Pickings" leaflet, with information on how to secure garden sheds and garages, as well as tips for defensive planting, and improving garden security. "Rich Pickings" leaflets have been distributed across the borough and are available for collection at the Civic Centre, public libraries and police stations.
Comments
That is so so awful. Like you said although house insurance may cover it, it's the sentimental things that can never be replaced. And also the fact that someone has been in your house going through your stuff - just horrible. My Nan was burgled last month (she doesn't live locally) and the same happened, all her jewellery was stolen but nothing else. It seems this sort of crime is one the rise. Thanks for the advice and so sorry you have had such a horrible thing happen to you.
By MelBattams at 19:52 on 10/10/11
ReportI was the victim of a burglary last week and all my and my late mothers GOLD jewellery was stolen from a well hidden place; thankfully they didn't take anything else? They even picked through and left me all the silver and fashion jewellery. I don't know how they got in; possible picked the lock as it was scratched badly internally when locksmith replaced with new.
Although I appear to be covered on my house insurance policy it is not going to replace the life time of sentimental value of such things like mine and my mother's wedding & engagement rings etc.
Advise to every lady.dig out your jewellery especially the old stuff you no longer wear! And photograph it all laid out. Get expensive items re valued as gold has increased in value such a lot and check your home insurance policy.
Do it today!
No doubt mine has winged its way to the smelting pot of the nearest cash for gold outlet which are just helping make criminals lives easier and untraceable.
I don't want anyone else to feel such loss.
(Ambleside Ave Area)
By Poppet2909 at 13:23 on 08/10/11
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