Warm weather brings with it opportunist burglars
Police are reminding people that open windows on these balmy days are an open invitation to thieves.
The warning comes as two further burglaries have been reported to Ealing Borough Police where the suspects gained access through an open window.
Overnight on Monday 5th May, a quantity of cash and jewellery were stolen from an address in Southall.
It is believed the suspects entered the home through a rear bedroom window, which had been left ajar for the cable for the TV aerial.
And in the early hours of Wednesday 7th May, two laptops, two mobile phones, a Plasma TV, a handbag and contents were stolen from a house in Greenford.
These incidents follow an incident on Sunday 4th May in West Ealing where occupants disturbed a burglar after entering through an open window.
Police realise that as the warmer weather is upon us, there is a tendency to keep our properties well ventilated and cooler.
But what is more comfortable to us, is also making life easier for thieves.
They will exploit open doors and windows, often while householders are asleep upstairs or even when they are just in the back garden.
The advice is to fit and most importantly, use good locks on downstairs and accessible windows.
An 'accessible window' means one that is relatively easy to climb to - for example, above a ground floor extension or porch, or next to a drainpipe.
Traditional sash windows can be secured by fitting two pairs of sash stops to the upper frame.
The lower pair locks the window shut, but can be removed to allow a four-inch gap for ventilation; the upper pair prevents the window being opened further.
Taking a few simple precautions can reduce the chances of your becoming a victim of burglary.
May 8, 2008