‘DON’T let burglars ruin your holiday’ Residents urged to take care as temperatures soar.

Dorset police are reminding tpeople to take precautions to keep their homes safe as the heat rises this summer.

Although the number of dwelling burglaries has dropped this summer so far, officers are urging people to take care. From 2012 to 2015, the average number of dwelling burglaries in June was 148. Last month, June 2016, Dorset Police said there were 93.

Detective Inspector Andy Dilworth, of the Dorset Police priority crime team, said: “It is fantastic to see the number of dwelling burglaries in Dorset steadily decreasing, but there is still plenty of work to be done.

“You can stop your home from becoming a target for criminals by following our crime prevention advice this summer, whether you are spending it at home or away.

“If you are going away, let your neighbours know and ask them to keep an eye on your property or park their car on your drive to give the impression your property is occupied. Also, be sure to cancel any regular deliveries such as milk or newspapers.

“You can also use a light timer, which will help to deter burglars from targeting your property.”

It is not just the increased likelihood of residents going on holiday which has previously driven up burglary statistics in the county during the summer months.

DI Dilworth added: “Warmer days and evenings mean people are more inclined to leave windows and doors open, or to enjoy their back gardens out of sight of the front of their properties.

“Remember to always lock your doors and windows wherever possible and to keep the front of your house secure if you are around the back.

“Burglars may use any opportunity to gain access to your property, so don’t give them the chance.”

Top tips to keep your house safe include:

  • Always keep your windows and doors closed and locked where possible, even if you are inside or near your property.
  • Use a light timer switch when you know you will be away from your home when it is dark.
  • If you are going on holiday, ask a friend or neighbour to park on your driveway, make sure any post is put through your letter box properly and put in and take out your bins. If all other bins in your street are out, it is easy to spot which properties are unoccupied.
  • Cancel regular deliveries, such as milk or newspapers, if you are going away.
  • Fit a burglar alarm and make sure it’s set when your property is unoccupied.
  • Register valuable property online at immobilise.com, mark your property with your postcode or keep an inventory including description, serial number and photograph of each item.
  • Install tracking apps on your mobile devices such as phones, tablets or laptops. These apps make it easier to locate stolen property.
  • Sign up to your local Neighbourhood or Home Watch Scheme and ask them to keep an eye on your home while you are away.