Police issue Shropshire security warning over insecure qindows and doors
As the warm summer nights continue, police in Shropshire have renewed an appeal for people to make sure all doors and accessible windows are closed and locked, following a sneak-in burglary near Whitchurch.
The property in Broughall is believed to have been entered either through an insecure skylight or potentially even an unlocked front door sometime between 11pm on Sunday 10 July 2011 and 4.45am on Monday 11 July 2011.
Two laptops, two digital cameras, a sat nav and a set of keys were all stolen from the address. The car belonging to the occupants was also searched but nothing stolen.
Police Constable Andy Wardlow, who is investigating the incident, appealed for anyone who might have witnessed suspicious activity in the village that night or who might have been offered such electrical items for sale under dubious circumstances to get in touch.
“In this instance, it appears the offender or offenders entered either through a roof skylight that had been left open or potentially even an unlocked front door,” he said.
“The items stolen were two black Toshiba laptops, a black and silver Samsung digital camera, a blue Panasonic Lumix digital camera and a Garmin sat nav, along with some keys.
“If anybody is offered these for sale ‘on the cheap’, please contact police on 0300 333 3000 immediately.”
PC Wardlow also reinforced police advice about ensuring homes were secure, especially at night or when you are in another room.
“A lot of burglaries are opportunist, where offenders have gained entry through a window or door left ajar or open or even just unlocked,” he said.
“All accessible windows and doors should be shut and locked when you are not in the same room, even if for just a short time, and always when you are out or at night when you go to bed.
“Although ground floor windows are most often associated with a sneak-in burglary, other windows such as sky-lights or upper floor windows could still be accessed with the right equipment.
“A regular night-time routine to check and secure any access points around your home before you go to bed is extremely effective in helping protect your property from opportunist burglars.
Residents also need to be aware that a number of insurance companies will not pay out claims for insecure properties where windows have been left open.
“This type of crime, and the invasion of privacy that goes with it, is upsetting enough without the double whammy of learning that your insurance policy is void,” added PC Wardlow.
Information about the Broughall burglary can be passed directly to police on 0300 333 3000 or via the anonymous Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.
For further advice on securing your home, visit the Advice Centre at www.westmercia.police.uk or call 0300 333 3000.
