Police crime prevention

A SAFETY-conscious Selby police officer has issued a crime prevention warning to residents in the district.

Insp Michelle Falkingham, of the town’s Safer Neighbourhood Team, wants locals to protect themselves and their property.

She said: “Don’t leave your doors and windows unlocked or open whilst they are unattended — even if you are in the back garden. Someone could be in your front door and away with your belongings before you know it.

“I was out walking my dogs in the village where I live and I noticed five front doors wide open with no immediate sign of anyone nearby. In one case there was a purse sat on the work surface next to the door, very visible. If I had been that opportunist thief, that could have been five more burglaries that people in our area had suffered.”

Insp Falkingham also urged people not to leave keys in the backs of doors or near to the door. She said: “This is a method that has been used in burglary, sometimes with articles being put through letterboxes and fishing keys out.”

Safety in the home wasn’t Insp Falkingham’s only target. She said: “When out, look after your belongings. Don’t leave handbags, purses, valuables on show when out and about.”

She also advised people to leave mobile phones at home when going out drinking, to avoid risk of it being stolen. Insp Falkingham also targeted vehicle owners. “Last year we had a significant rise in work vehicles being broken into, particularly at night, and tools being stolen,” she said. “We have seen a slight pattern of this occurring again. If possible remove your tools, black out windows, fit additional security, or park near a garage or wall to make it more difficult to get in and remove large items.

(Reproduced from The Selby Times,  4th August)

Gardien Comment: It is especially important to close (and lock) your doors when out in the garden, perticularly if access to your garden is very easy. See the advice at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/gates-security.aspx