Opportunistic burglars are taking ladders from outside homes and using them to climb into neighbouring houses with unlocked windows, police have warned
Speaking after a spate of break-ins last week in Hampstead, Belsize Park and South Hampstead, PC Nick Dayton warned that night time burglars were active in the area.
He urged householders to take safety measures to protect their homes.
He said: “Please take time to secure any ladders that may be stored at your property by chaining them up to a solid object.”
Police say they are prepared for a spike in crime as the days grew shorter.
“Burglars will seize the opportunity to target homes that appear unoccupied on the night the clocks go back,” PC Dayton said.
“Securing windows and turning on lights could help deter thieves,” he added.
The police are appealing for anyone who lost a ladder on Wednesday October 26 to contact them on 101.
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