More than 5,000 homes were burgled last year in London by thieves simply walking in through unlocked doors, latest Metropolitan Police stats suggest.
In a bid to cut the trend the Met is urging Londoners to "lock before you leave" in an awareness campaign to remind homeowners about locking their doors. Just one month before the clocks go back – traditionally a time of increased criminal activity – breakfast radio ads will target listeners in cars or at home, while digital displays will reach commuters at key underground connections.
Assistant Commissioner Ian McPherson, head of Met Territorial Policing, is urging Londoners to be vigilant: "Although most residential burglaries involve criminals forcing their way into homes, many thefts occur when suspects simply walk in or climb in. Our simple message is always ‘lock before you leave’. If your home is locked up and secure, burglars will find it much harder to get in."
Detective Superintendent Martin Rusling, head of the Met anti-burglary task force Operation Bumblebee adds: "Burglary, on the whole, is an opportunist crime and a burglar will look for an easy way to get in that won’t take long or arouse suspicion, so many try the front door first. Over half of all burglaries occur through the front door. Mostly they are forced, but many are simply opened either from the front, or by putting something through the letter box.
"It’s easy to leave your front door unlocked, especially when you’re in a hurry or distracted. But even if you only do it once, that could be enough to get burgled."
One Londoner who recently suffered a ‘walk-in’ burglary spoke of her shock at becoming a victim. Mrs Dalia Majeed, a housewife from Brentford, woke to find her back door open and her husband’s wedding ring, wallet and other items missing. Speaking two weeks after the burglary, which happened at her home on Monday 13 September, Mrs Majeed said: "We left a small window slightly open by the back door as it was very warm. I woke up around 6:45 in the morning to find the window and door wide open. I then noticed my husband’s wedding ring was gone – my name was inscribed on it so it has great sentimental value.
"It was awful. The burglary has been very distressing to our family. My children have had difficulty sleeping and keep waking in the night wanting to know if the doors are locked.
"Most of the things can be replaced but I’m very upset that we may never get my husband’s wedding ring back."
The campaign material highlights the 5,199 homes that were burgled in this way last year, and carries the reminder ‘Always lock before you leave’ while encouraging the public to visit the MPS special anti-burglary website – http://www.metbumblebee.org – for more information and advice.
The Met is advising Londoners to:
* Close and lock all your doors and windows, even if you are only going out for a few minutes.
* Make sure UPVC doors are properly locked with a key.
* Make sure the side and/or back gate is locked.
* Lock your shed or garage.
* Make sure that any valuables are out of sight.
* Leave some lights on if it will be dark before you get home.
* Don’t leave your car keys or ID documents near doors, windows or your letterbox.
While police expect to see a rise in burglaries of this nature in autumn, the overall number of burglaries continues to fall according to the Met. Recent figures (April to August 2010) claim a 9pc reduction compared with the same period last year. While prevention is vital, the Met says it recognises the need to target known or suspected burglars as well. Operation Bumblebee is continuing to investigate and pursue suspects and bring them before the courts.
Officers have also been going out to communities to offer crime prevention advice, including awareness roadshows to encourage residents to secure UPVC windows and doors, as some areas of London have seen increases in burglaries at these premises where owners pull the handle on closing, but don’t lock with a key.
Assistant Commissioner McPherson said: "Having your home burgled can be a traumatic experience. We are determined to stop it from happening in the first place by raising people’s awareness of security and by targeting offenders.
"The Met Police are here to advise you on how best to secure your home. We are here to bring burglars to court, and we are here to help you keep your homes and our communities safe and secure."
Deputy Mayor of Policing and Chair of the MPA Kit Malthouse said: "Burglary causes great distress and afterwards people may never truly feel safe in their homes again. There is nothing worse than having someone break in and steal your most treasured possessions. Please be vigilant and take some simple steps to secure your home and keep criminals out."
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