Keep your home cool and secure this summer

Summer is here and we’re reminding residents to make sure their homes and gardens are secure as the weather turns warmer.

As the county heats up, most people will be spending more time outdoors and trying to keep homes cool. However, leaving windows and doors open can provide easy access to burglars.

Burglaries increased by more than 16 per cent* during May, compared to the same time last year. Hertsmere (16), East Herts (16), Three Rivers (14) and Broxbourne (14) saw the highest increases in offences. 

Nicola Chamberlain, Hertfordshire Constabulary’s lead for crime prevention said: “Burglaries can increase at this time of year. As things start to heat up, people tend to leave windows and doors open to keep cool, but don’t always remember to close them when they go out or are in another part of the home.

“Remember to close windows and lock doors when you are finished outside and before going out or to bed, even when the weather gets warmer.”

• Lock all doors and windows and ensure any PVCu doors are locked properly by lifting the handle and using the key to double-lock them.
• Consider installing a doorbell camera, internal camera and/or monitored burglar alarm.
• Install ‘dusk to dawn’ external lighting and use timer switches or wi-fi plugs/systems in your home to control internal lights, radios and a simulated TV. 
• 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.
• 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.
• Look out for your neighbours especially in they are vulnerable, by reporting any suspicious activity you notice in your area.
• Join our new community messaging platform Herts Connectedwhere you will receive free local police messages. You can also choose to receive messages from Neighbourhood Watch, Action Fraud and the Police and Crime Commissioner if that’s what you select when you sign up. 

For more detailed security advice, please visit www.herts.police.uk/crimeprevention.