I recently received the message below from the Neighbourhood Police teams in Woking.  I think it is important to share this as burglary could become a problem if we do not continue to be vigilant.

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Due to a recent spate of Burglaries in the Knaphill, St Johns and Horsell areas the Neighbourhood Teams are encouraging residents to report any suspicious people or vehicles in their area.

Burglary Prevention Advice

·         Keep an eye on open doors and windows. Close them if you are going upstairs or out of the room, even for just a few minutes.

·         Fit five-lever British Standard mortise deadlocks to your front and back door, and use them. These locks are available at DIY stores.

·         Install a burglar alarm in your property and use it.

·         Keep your side gate shut and locked. A burglar usually has much more cover when trying to break into the rear of a property.

·         Make sure garden tools are hidden and locked away. Many of them could be used to force entry to your home. Do not leave ladders lying around.

·         Do not leave house/car keys or valuables near an open window or by a door with a letterbox or cat flap. Burglars use a variety of tools to hook these items, which you might think are out of reach. Never leave a spare key outside.

·         Postcode your valuables and photograph them. Write serial numbers down and keep your lists and photographs safe. If the item has your postcode on it police will be able to trace it back to you and return it.

If you are going away on holiday:

·         Cancel all deliveries such as milk or newspapers and ask a friend or a neighbour to pop round and move post away from the front door.

·         Buy a couple of timer lights from DIY stores and set to come on for a few hours after dark.

·         Ask a neighbour to mow your front lawn: you can always do theirs in return!

·         Register your contact details or those of a key holder on www.surpol.co.uk so the emergency service can contact you while you are away.

 Forming a Neighbourhood watch Group in your road is a good way of beating the burglar as a community. For more information ring 0845 125 2222 and ask for your local NHW Administrator.

 If anyone has any information as to who may be committing these burglaries then please call the Surrey Police non-emergency number 0845 125 2222 and ask to be put through to call handling.

If you have any information about a crime and don’t want to leave your name you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.