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Hertfordshire Constabulary is sharing home security advice with residents as burglaries, especially to outbuildings, has increased over recent months.
Burglars have been especially targeting outbuildings, such as sheds and garages this month, with 99 offences across Hertfordshire (up from 70 last January). The areas with the most offenses were East Herts with 27 (up from 7 last year), Dacorum with 27 (up from 19) and St Albans with 12 (up from 6).
The number of home burglaries has also risen across the county during January, compared to this time last year. The areas with the most offences were Dacorum, which had 40 burglaries (compared to 17 last January), Hertsmere with 29 (up from 21) and Welwyn Hatfield which had 27 (up from 21).
Detective Chief Inspector Luke Whinnett, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Local Policing Command, said: “This time of year burglars are still looking to see if homes are empty during the day, so using a timer to switch on a light when it gets dark in the afternoon can be an excellent deterrent. Investing on a doorbell camera is another great security investment.
“Sheds and garages can be an easier target for thieves, who lookout for expensive power tools and sports equipment left in them with little or no security. We are recommending that everyone takes some basic security measures to ensure their outbuildings are secure. Don’t leave anything valuable in them unless they are well secured with good quality locks or even an alarmed padlock. Dusk till dawn security lights will also make your home even safer.”
These tips will help to make your garden and outbuildings more secure:
For more detailed security advice, please visit our crime prevention pages.