STOP BURGLARS FROM SIMPLY WALKING INTO YOUR HOME

Residents across Havering are being urged to ensure their homes are locked up securely after a rise in house burglary. Break-ins sometimes increase in the winter months but most burglaries can be prevented by simply ensuring doors are locked.

Havering was the eighth safest out of London’s 32 boroughs for burglary in the 12 months to November 2008, however burglary has been on the rise. There were 1,281 burglaries during the 12 month period – an increase of 307 offences compared to the previous 12 months. Seven out of ten burglaries were a result of the victims forgetting to lock, or not properly locking, their front or rear door.

Most of these burglaries are due to people failing to lock uPVC doors correctly. uPVC multi-lock doors have a central lock which engages additional bolts or hooks when the handle is lifted. However, the door won’t be locked unless the key is also turned. Simply closing the door and lifting the handle without turning the key will mean the door will be shut, but not locked.

The awareness campaign this week is part of the Council’s Better Together campaign to reduce crime. The Council will be placing posters across the borough and there will be radio adverts to raise awareness.

Havering Council Said "It seems so obvious to tell people to lock their doors but it is a message we have to make loud and clear. Incredibly, most burglars never need to break into a home – they simply just walk in. “uPVC doors are very secure – but only if they are locked properly".