Dyfed Powys Police encourages residents to secure their homes against burglars.

Even though Dyfed Powys is a very safe area to live, it doesn’t stop thieves trying their luck. As a result, Dyfed Powys Police is warning residents to take some simple steps so they don’t become victims of domestic burglary.

Most domestic burglaries are committed by opportunist thieves, who pick a house that looks unoccupied, has little or no obvious security and where they think they will not be seen. Three out of ten burglaries do not even involve the use of force: burglars get in through an insecure door or window.

Detective Inspector Richard Hopkin said “There isn’t a big problem with domestic burglary in our area. However, a lapse of security in general can allow burglars to enter your home or your outbuildings. If you take the time to assess the security of your home, follow some useful advice and take positive action, you can reduce the risk of becoming a victim”

Reduce the risk of burglary happening to you by making sure you have taken these simple precautions:-

• Fit strong locks to your doors and windows and make sure you always keep them fully locked
• Try to make your home look occupied if you are away from your property overnight. Invest in a plug-in timer for lamps and radios
• Consider installing a burglar alarm. A burglar alarm fitted properly can deter a burglar and the sights of an alarm box outside your home may be enough to discourage them
• Prevent intruders getting to the back and sides of your home by installing strong fencing or gates
• Never leave a spare key in a convenient hiding place such as under the doormat, in a flowerpot or behind a loose brick – thieves know to look there first
• Make sure your room is well lit and use movement sensitive lights externally.
• If you are replacing or fitting new doors and windows, get ones that are certified to British Standard BS7950 (windows) and PAS 24-1 (doors)
• Fit a door chain or bar and door viewer (spy-hole) and use them every time someone calls.
• Ensure good quality locks are fitted to your shed and are securely locked. Windows should be fitted with locks

“All too often people become a victim of burglary because their home is left insecure, no alarm is fitted and windows and doors are left unlocked,” said DI Hopkin. “Taking some simple precautions to protect yourself and your property against crime can not only make you feel safer, it can also reduce your chances of becoming a victim of crime”.