Brighton traders and residents have been urged to be more security conscious as the evenings become lighter and the weather warmer.
They were warned that the number of burglaries tends to rise as people leave doors and windows open.
Chris Cooke, chairman of the St James’s Street Local Action Team, in Kemp Town, has sent out a warning from PCSO Sam Justice, of Sussex Police.
The circular quotes Trevor Cox, Sussex Police Community Safety and Crime Reduction Adviser, saying: “The clocks have gone forward and, with this in mind, we ask you to be security conscious around your home and garden.
“Please lock all doors and windows when going out or working in the back garden.
“Put all garden tools away and lock your shed or garage.
“Don’t be careless with your wallet or purse, even around you home. Place it out of sight.
“It only takes a few seconds for a burglar to make his mark, so take a few minutes to make your mark against them.
“Discouraging them from targeting your property will help ensure you enjoy your summer.”
The force says that the number of burglaries across Sussex is falling and to keep break-ins down crime prevention officers will be distributing leaflets headlined Keep Cool This Summer.
The leaflets advise:
- When you go out, lock all the doors and windows.
- Don’t leave fanlight windows open.
- When you leave a room unattended, close windows and doors – especially on the ground floor.
- If you want to leave your windows open while you are asleep, fit window restrictors to stop people opening them to climb in.
- Double check fences and boundaries to make sure they keep burglars out.
- Secure garden tools and ladders in a locked shed or garage to prevent them being used to break in to your or a neighbour’s home.
- Keep all wallets, purses, credit cards and car keys out of sight.
- Consider laying gravel on your footpaths or driveway, which can deter burglars from approaching your property.
- Outside security lighting as well as a visible burglar alarm helps deter burglars.
