Home Security Advice Following Recent Suspicious Activity

Bracknell Police are advising residents to review their home security following recent suspicious activity.

At 12.57pm on Monday 11 March whilst it was dry and bright, a white adult male with short dark hair dressed in a bright blue hooded coat with fur trim over a black fleece top,  blue jeans, woollen gloves and walking boots, was captured on a residents domestic CCTV acting suspiciously and checking the front door of their home in Staverton Close Priestwood. Audio recording suggests that after he’d satisfied himself that no one was in that he forcibly rattled the front door as if trying to force it open. Thankfully the door locks prevented any entry and the male walked off.

At 1.38pm the same day a resident in Honeyhill Road, saw a white adult male acting suspiciously approaching and looking in through front windows and knocking on front doors of several houses. The male had short dark hair, was wearing a red puffa jacket and had a tattoo below one eye. He was seen to walk off towards Shepherds Lane.

You can greatly reduce your risk of burglary by taking a few simple security measures to help make your property less attractive to thieves. Most burglars are opportunists and target homes and businesses that offer the least risk of being caught.

To keep your home safe and secure:

• Keep front doors locked, even when you’re at home
• Lock side gates to prevent easy access to the rear of your property
• Don’t leave spare keys in obvious places such as under doormats or plant pots
• Keep items that could be used to break in to your property such as ladders, tools and wheelie bins stored securely.
• Trim overgrown hedges and shrubs that provide hiding places or prevent your neighbours from spotting intruders attacking your property
• Use timer switches or On-Line security devices to activate lamps, radio or the TV to make your home look occupied even when it isn’t.
• Install a burglar alarm with a visible alarm box
• Utilise wi-fi connected CCTV doorbells and cameras so you can see and challenge individuals approaching your property even when your not there.
• Keep all valuables and keys out of sight and out of reach of doors and windows
• Store high value items in a hidden safe
• Mark your belongings and register them for free with “Immobilise”

Burglars often gain access to their victim’s homes through unsecured doors or windows. Making sure your doors are strong and secure, and that all windows are fitted with a lock is a simple way to prevent thieves gaining easy access. You should ensure any lock is certified by the British Standard Institute. For more information on how to protect your home and belongings visit the Thames Valley Police website

Please feel free to pass this advice and information onto neighbours and family.