Sneak in Burglaries

By South Yorkshire Police

As summertime approaches opportunistic thieves will be targeting houses with insecure doors and windows.

During the past twelve months there have been 4768 ‘sneak-in’ burglaries committed in South Yorkshire. This type of offence involves thieves entering houses via open doors and windows, quite often whilst the house holder is in another room or in the garden.

The vast majority of ‘sneak-ins’ are committed between 9am and 11pm and thieves often steal items such as handbags, cash , jewellery, car keys and mobile phones. South Yorkshire Police are urging householders to take a number of simple precautions to reduce the risks of becoming a victim of crime:

Do not leave doors and windows open or unlocked, even if you are in another room or in the garden. It only takes seconds for a thief to enter your home and steal your valuables.

Do not leave valuables on open display near to insecure doors and windows as this may encourage the opportunistic thief.

Consider fitting a chime alarm to your doors and windows, which activates when opened. This will indicate when the door or window has been opened and it may startle any potential offenders. Such devices are cheap and easy to install.

Consider introducing a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in your area. Research shows that houses in areas covered by such a scheme are SEVEN times less likely to be burgled. 

Look out for your neighbours, especially the elderly. If you see anything suspicious contact the police immediately.

For information regarding crime reduction and house security telephone 0114 220 2020 and ask your local Crime Reduction Officer, they will be pleased to assist.
For information regarding Neighbourhood Watch contact the South Yorkshire Association on 01709 365 908 or e-mail: s.Yorkshire@neighbourhoodwatch.freeserve.co.uk
Or contact Attercliffe police station on 0114 296 4381

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