The Force secures positive results for victims of burglary
The Force has secured positive results for victims of burglary as it continues to relentlessly pursue offenders targeting homes in the county.
Dorset Police has increased the percentage of burglaries it solves, seeing it move into the top quarter of all forces nationally for its positive outcome rate relating to reported burglaries.
It follows the formation of the Neighbourhood Crime Team earlier this year, providing a team of officers dedicated to investigating burglary crime and targeting prolific offenders.
Detective Superintendent Steve May, of Dorset Police, said: “We remain committed to tackling burglaries in the county, as we understand the impact they can have on victims.
“Our officers have continuously strived to improve our attendance times and the service provided for victims, and this in turn has increased the number of positive outcomes for reported burglaries.
“Multiple convictions have been secured for burglaries in recent months, all achieved through a dynamic and proactive response by a team dedicated to pursuing criminality.”
The Force is also continuing its efforts to prevent burglaries from occurring in the county.
As part of the Force’s Stay Safe Season campaign, officers are encouraging residents to complete a home security self-assessment and consider measures to make their properties more secure in the run up to Christmas.
During December, households typically have an increased number of valuable items in their properties in the form of presents and are more regularly unoccupied as people visit family and friends over the festive period.
This coupled with shorter days means that the winter months pose specific risks for home security.
Here are some measures people can take to keep their properties secure:
- Always keep your doors and windows shut and locked where possible, even if you’re in your property
- Insure your valuables – take pictures of them and keep a note of serial numbers and other identifiable numbers
- Put garden tools away as burglars can use these to break in-to properties
- Ensure valuable and electrical items are not left on display
- Consider fitting your property with a video doorbell or CCTV
- Secure any garden sheds with locks
If you’re going away over the festive period:
- Give the impression your home is occupied – use a light timer switch, draw the curtains, ask a neighbour to park on your drive and cancel any regular deliveries
- Don’t post that you’re away on social media - this is an advertisement to burglars that your home is empty
- Ask your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme to keep an eye on your home while you’re away
- Fit a burglar alarm and make sure it’s set
Detective Sergeant David Went, of the Neighbourhood Crime Team – the Force’s team dedicated to investigating burglaries – said: “Dorset is one of the safest counties to live in, but we must accept that burglaries do still occur.
“These are simple steps we can all take to protect our homes from opportunistic burglars over the Christmas period. Offenders may be looking for easy targets, but these measures can make it harder for them to gain entry into your property.
“We are also urging the public not to be complacent this winter. If you see someone acting suspiciously in your area, please call us on 101 or if a crime is in progress, dial 999.
“If you have information about someone handling or receiving stolen goods and you don’t want to report it to the police, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, free and anonymously.”
For more advice on how to keep your home secure, visit: https://www.dorset.police.uk/protectyourhome.