With summer just around the corner, residents in the Horsham District are being urged by the Horsham District Community Safety Partnership to keep their homes safe from burglars.  Despite being one of the safest districts in the country, with extremely low rates of burglary, some residents are occasionally victims, which can be a very distressing experience.

The vulnerability of houses to burglary varies depending upon the actions of the occupants and residents can make their homes significantly more secure by following some simple advice.

Tips from the Horsham District Community Safety Partnership include the following:

• Ensuring that the property is lit, inside and out.  Burglars prefer to operate in the dark so an outside automated light can act as a deterrent.
• Leaving lights and a radio on a timer in the house can give the illusion that someone is home so burglars are less likely to try and break in.
• Doors and windows should be kept secure with a good quality lock to stop it being easily broken.
• Sheds and garages should also be kept secure so thieves aren’t able to access tools or ladders to assist with a break in.
• Make sure all keys, including car keys, are hidden out of sight and that keys to the property aren’t left outside, such as under a plant pot.  Valuables such as passports, bank statements and wallets should also be hidden away.
• To help keep the whole of their street safe, residents can get involved with their local Neighbourhood Watch team.  Looking out for others’ properties mean burglars will have to work much harder.  More information about Neighbourhood Watch can be found at http://www.nhwhorsham.org.uk

If anyone notices someone acting suspiciously or experiences any suspicious callers, they should report it to Sussex Police – call the non emergency number 101 or call 999 in an emergency.

The Horsham District Community Safety Partnership advises residents to make a note of the person’s description or car registration as this may provide the police with useful information.