West Lancs police urge public to lock doors while at home to deter opportune burglars

Nov 15 2012 by Our Correspondent, Ormskirk Advertiser

POLICE in West Lancs are urging homeowners to make their properties more secure following a spate of opportunist burglaries.

In some cases, homes have been entered while the occupants are still inside, the darker winter nights providing cover for burglars who walk up driveways and try doors without being seen.

Police Sergeant Paul Bamber said: “Many of these offences are completely avoidable by people simply locking the doors to their house.

“By locking your doors, it is very unlikely that whilst you are in the house that burglars will break their way in.

“Car keys left on display are an incentive for burglars to walk in and help themselves.

“Burglaries are at an all time low and to maintain that members of the public need to remain vigilant and reduce opportunities for thieves.

“Security lighting and locked gates are just a couple of ideas that will help.”

Thieves are entering via unlocked porch doors or back doors and stealing the keys to victim’s cars which have been parked on the driveway.

In several of the targeted homes the victims have been in the house while thieves have walked into the kitchen area and taken car keys left out on worktops.

Police have asked the public to consider the following points:

Please be vigilant and make sure all doors are locked and car keys hidden from view.

It is important to report any suspicious activity to the police; whether it is a vehicle parked outside your neighbour’s house which you do not recognize or strangers walking up and down your street.

Each call made to the police is taken seriously and a patrol will be dispatched to investigate further.

Call 101 to report suspicious activity.