Don't let the burglars strike when the clocks go back

The Royal Borough's community safety team has once again joined forces with Thames Valley Police to issue a warning to residents about opportunistic burglars taking advantage of the nights getting darker earlier when the clocks go back at the end of October.

Working in partnership to support Operation Lioness, community wardens and police community support officers (PCSOs) are running burglary prevention roadshows throughout the Royal Borough - they have taken place since the summer but the emphasis for the latest roadshows is on nights getting darker earlier. The events are designed to complement Thames Valley Police's winter anti-burglary campaign.

To reinforce the message a series of leaflets have been produced and these will be distributed by community wardens and PCSOs from Monday 15 October to a range of venues and organisations including doctors' surgeries, community centres and schools.

Hints and tips to keep the burglars at bay include:
• Lock all doors and windows securely before you go out or to bed. If you have a UPVC door make sure you double lock it
• Prevent access to the rear of your property by locking your side gates. Rear fencing should be high (1.8m) and consider planting prickly plants to deter intruders
• Light the perimeter of your home. Consider installing dusk-to-dawn lighting, illuminating front doors and driveways. It's a cost-effective way to protect your home and can ensure that unwanted visitors can be seen
• Lock garages, sheds and garden tools and consider buying and fitting a motion-activated shed alarm. A loud siren is sounded if the shed is targeted
• Is there anyone at home? Use lighting timers and socket-based timers which can be used with a lamp, radio or TV to give the impression that someone is at home
• Alarm: If you have a burglar alarm please use it and if not consider installing one.

The roadshows will be at a variety of locations including High Street Maidenhead, Waitrose Windsor, the Sikh Temple in Maidenhead, Tesco Datchet and Maidenhead Mosque.

Details of all the roadshows are available on the community safety website www.rbwmsafety4all.org.uk/Burglaryroadshows.htm

Cllr Phill Bicknell, cabinet member with responsibility for community safety, said: "The clocks going back at the end of October can present would-be thieves with greater opportunities. Simple measures such as outside lighting and timers on lamps or radios can make the difference and make your house appear occupied - which is often the deterrent needed.

"We have been running the roadshows since the summer and they have been well attended. I would urge residents to come along to one in their area."

Insp Lee Townsend, deputy area police commander, said: "During dark winter months opportunistic thieves may target homes that look unsecured or unoccupied. Try to avoid leaving your home in darkness by using timers on lamps, lights or radios to give the impression that someone is at home. Also, remember to lock your doors and windows. Finally, if you have a burglar alarm, please remember to use it."

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