Crouch End officers say chance of burglary five times higher in unsecured homes

Police are warning people living in Crouch End without security that they are five times more likely to be burgled.

Officers are gearing up for Christmas by providing residents with cheap and easy steps to secure their homes from opportunistic crooks.

They say that locks and windows should be secured and keys removed each night in a bid to deter night prowlers attempting to steal valuables spied from outside.

Property should also be hidden away rather than kept in bedrooms as that is the first destination for most burglars, police say.

Homeowners are also cautioned against leaving homes swamped in darkness and instead suggest leaving a light on or using timer switches to warn criminals the house is occupied.

Gardens also provide easy access for burglars who seek to gain entry to unsecured sheds containing pricey tools or ladders left lying around which can be used to get in through upper-floor windows.

Another recommended method to help police in the fight against crime is to photograph valuables and other electronic goods as well as recording the serial numbers to assist with their recovery.

Burglar alarms and CCTV are also promoted alongside the use of Smart Water, which boasts a 100 per cent conviction rate, as ways to beef up security.

Officers have issued a handy guide to kick off their ‘In the time it takes’ campaign for 2017.

Worried residents can also request a home crime prevention visit from ward officers PC Chris Allen, PC Martin Nicholls and PCSO Pauline Hearfield by contacting 020 8649 3515 or crouchend.snt@met.police.uk.