Police

Nearly 25 homes burgled in St Neots and surrounding villages in a month

Hywel Barrett Monday, October 8, 2012
11:48 AM

OFFICERS have issued a warning to residents in and around St Neots after a spate of burglaries.

To reduce the risk of becoming a victim:

It’s important to make your home look lived in and ask neighbours to keep an eye on it when you are not in. Consider installing light timers. Burglars will target homes in darkness as there is less of a risk of being spotted. If the bins are due to be collected, ask your neighbours to move them on and off your drive for you.

Report unusual activity such as people knocking at your door. If you believe someone knocking at your door could be a burglar then contact police immediately. This type of information can be used to gain a better understanding of how criminals are operating in your area.

Keep a note of any unusual vehicles parking in your area and pass information to the police.

Nearly 25 homes in Eaton Socon, Eaton Ford, Southoe, Little Paxton, Great Staughton, Buckden and Perry have been burgled since September 3.

Detective Inspector Jon McAdam said that most offences happened during the day.

He added: “In the past month we have seen a rise in burglaries in the town and surrounding area which we believe may be part of a series.

“The majority of offences are happening during the day with offenders targeting homes while people are working.

Deterrents

Alarms: Install an alarm - even an empty box on the side of your home can be enough to put off a burglar.

Dogs: A ‘beware of the dog’ sign can be enough to put off an intruder, regardless of whether a dog is present.

Lock up your shed: Offenders do not like carrying break-in tools as they may be searched en route to a burglary. They often raid sheds to get their hands on tools to burgle.

Strong communities are also a deterrent for burglars: Make friends with your neighbours or join your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

“Local officers are working with the force’s tactical team and traffic officers to increase patrols in the targeted areas and work is ongoing to trace those responsible.

“The public also play an important role and I would urge people to remain vigilant to activity in their neighbourhood, reporting anything out of the ordinary or suspicious to police.”

INFORMATION: Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.