Residents urged to review home security following burglaries in Hertsmere

Residents are being urged to review their home security and follow some simple crime prevention advice in the wake of several burglaries in Hertsmere.

Burglary rates are currently lower than this time last year, but there has been a series of offences prompting officers to issue advice.

Safer Neighbourhood Inspector Rachael Robertson said: “We have received a number of reports where the offender(s) are going to the rear of the property and gaining access through upstairs windows via flat rooves.”

The following offences have been reported in the last week:

• Between 7pm on Monday 2 January to 10am on Tuesday 3 January, in Woodlands Road, Bushey, entry was gained through an upstairs window and a car was taken. (Crime reference 41/611/23) 
• Between 2.30pm and 5.30pm on Saturday 31 December, in Watford Road, Radlett, the offender(s) attempted to gain entry through an upstairs window. (Crime reference 41/272/23) 
• Between 10am on Thursday 29 December and 6.30pm on Friday 30 December in Ridge, Potters Bar, offender(s) gained access through a downstairs window by jemmying it open. A watch was stolen. (Crime reference 41/105466/22) 
• Between 6.15pm and 6.50pm on Thursday 29 December, in Ashley Drive, Borehamwood, entry was gained through a ground floor window. A car was stolen. (Crime reference 41/105049/22) 
• Between 7.40pm and 8pm on Wednesday 28 December in Prowse Avenue, Bushey Heath. Entry was gained through a bedroom window above a flat roof and money and jewellery was stolen from within. (Crime reference 41/104860/22) 
• Between 6.50pm and 7.05pm on Thursday 29 December, in Winston Way, Potters Bar, offenders gained access through a rear door. (Crime reference 41/105053/22) 

Inspector Robertson added: “Our investigations into these burglaries are on-going, however I would urge residents to be vigilant, report suspicious behaviour and ensure they secure their properties.

“Please be mindful of what might be in your garden that could help an offender get to the first floor, such as ladders or garden furniture. Make sure you remove items that could be used to break windows or jemmy them open.

“And small things such as leaving a light on to give the impression that someone is home can go a long way to deter a burglar.”

Hertfordshire Constabulary offers the following crime prevention advice:

• Make your home less inviting to a burglar by closing and securely locking all windows and doors when you go out.
• If you’re not home in the evenings use timer switches on lights to give the illusion someone is in.

• Install dusk to dawn external lighting.

• Consider installing a doorbell camera and monitored burglar alarm.

• Keep keys and valuables secure and out of sight.
• Ensure boundary fences are secure with side gates locked.
• Keep tools and ladders in a locked shed as these items can be used against you to gain access to your property.
• Secure bins at night and put garden furniture away for the winter as these can be used by burglars as climbing aids to gain access to upper floor windows.
• Ensure your vehicle is locked and remove all valuables as burglars often check to see if doors are left unlocked.
• If you notice anyone acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood, please report it to police (details below).
• Join Hertfordshire’s Neighbourhood Watch (Opens in a new window) for alerts and advice.

For more advice visit our crime prevention pages.

You can report suspicious activity in your area or information online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101 , quoting the relevant crime reference number.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form (Opens in a new window).