56 Burglaries In Just Two Weeks

14 July 2010, 06:14 | Updated: 14 July 2010, 06:20

We're being warned to keep our homes secure this summer, with 56 burglaries taking place in Bournemouth and Poole in the last two weeks.

And just over half of these happened in Bosocombe and Southbourne.

Police say burglary is on the rise here, with the majority of crimes occurring in homes where doors and windows had been left insecure during the warm weather.

Since 1 July 2010, 21 people have been arrested on suspicion of burgling homes in Bournemouth and Poole.

Superintendent Nicky Searle, of Bournemouth and Poole Police, said: "We are actively targeting burglars and we will do all we can to ensure that offenders are brought to justice.  However, I am concerned that homeowners are not taking basic steps to protect their homes.

"We know that warm weather brings out opportunist burglars so homeowners need to lock their front and backs doors and their windows when they leave their homes or move into their gardens.

"We recognise how traumatic it can be to know an intruder has been in your home and to lose items of sentimental value and, residents should also bear in mind that some insurance companies will not replace any stolen items if homes are left insecure at the time of the burglary.

"Dorset Police is working extremely hard to apprehend and bring to justice the perpetrators of these crimes but we need the help of the public where crimes are preventable in the first place."

Dorset Police is issuing the following advice to homeowners:

-Make sure you lock doors, windows and gates even when you are home. Lock your sheds and garages too.
 
-Check that the garden is clear of objects that can be used to smash doors and windows, and remove anything that aids climbing. Also lock bicycles.
 
-Do not leave bags, purses, keys or valuables on view near doors and windows. Laptops, games consoles and satnavs should be hidden from view.
 

Superintendent Searle added: "Taking reasonable steps such as this should reduce the risk of becoming a victim of burglary, but if you still have concerns over the security of your home, contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team for advice on 01202 222 222."