Security advice following spate of burglaries

Police in Bournemouth and Poole are encouraging residents to keep their homes secure following a series of burglaries across the conurbation.

The Rossmore area of Poole and the Ensbury Park, Kinson and Springbourne areas of Bournemouth have suffered from a recent spate of burglaries – with the offenders often gaining entry to the properties through insecure windows and doors.

Acting Sergeant Aston Starkie, of Bournemouth and Poole police, said: “Following this recent series of burglaries in parts of Bournemouth and Poole, I am reminding residents of the importance of keeping their properties secure.

“It is also important that residents do not leave valuables on display in their homes, such as cash, jewellery, laptops and games consoles. These are all items that have been stolen recently from homes during the recent series of burglaries.

“The number of burglaries in Rossmore, Ensbury Park, Kinson and Springbourne has increased since early November and I am keen to bring those responsible to justice.”

Members of the public with any information relating to the recent burglaries, or anyone who has seen anything suspicious in these areas, should contact Dorset Police on 01202 22 22 22 or call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.

Acting Sergeant Starkie continued: “Earlier this week, there have been three attempted burglaries across the Bournemouth and Poole conurbation where offenders have not been able to gain entry to the property due to doors being dead bolted. This highlights the importance and effectiveness of keeping all windows and doors securely locked.”

Dorset Police has issued the following crime prevention advice to remind the public about some simple but effective measures that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of these crimes:

·   Lock all windows and doors when leaving the house.

·   Do not leave keys in windows or doors. Ensure they are in easy reach for the occupants of the house but not accessible or in view to anyone trying to get in. Remember they will be needed in the event of a fire.

·   Ensure the house alarm is always set when leaving the house and it is in good working order.

·   Lock and secure the shed or garage with a good quality padlock and consider an alarm if high value tools and bikes are stored within.

·   Lock bikes and tools away.

·   Consider installing outside lights.

·   Ensure that side gates have good locks, bolts and padlocks.

·   Use timer switches if away from the house and ask a neighbour to look after your property and put dustbins in and out.

·   Do not leave empty cardboard boxes of new electrical items out for refuse collection – this shows that there is new electrical equipment in the house.

·   Security mark your property. Take photographs and note down any serial numbers, identifying features – but do not keep this info on your computer.

Witnesses and anyone with information should contact Dorset Police in confidence on 01305 222 222 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.