Students should watch out for oppportunist thieves

Students have been urged to secure their doors and windows after burglars have started targeting unlocked premises in Middlesbrough.

There have been 19 burglaries where entry has been gained through unlocked doors and windows in the first seven weeks of the year, accounting for over 50% of all burglaries in that period.

Middlesbrough’s Crime Reduction Officer PC Ged Kirkbright said:
“On the whole these offences are committed by career criminals who look for opportunities. Some of these offences happened overnight when people had simply forgotten to lock their front door.”

Students are thought to be at risk when they move into privately rent accommodation as the value of items in the house is then multiplied by the number of residents, for example; one home could have four televisions, four laptops, and four stereos.

A Home Office survey in 2003 found that 10% of students had been the victim of burglary and that those living in privately rented accommodation were more likely to experience break ins than those living in halls of residence.

These statistics collate with those of The British Crime Survey (BCS), who found that the risk of being victimised increases if the head of the household is aged between 16-24.

PC Kirkbright advises: “Try to get into a routine of locking and securing your property. Shut and lock all doors and windows and remember to set your house alarm.
“Don’t leave keys or valuables on show in your home near the front and back doors – put them away in a safe place.”

He added: “Whilst the number of burglaries continues to fall, we want to make it harder for thieves to commit these offences – not easier.”

Anyone who would like further information or advice on protecting their home, vehicle or property can contact PC Kirkbright at Middlesbrough Crime Reduction Unit on 01642-303171.

Report This Post

Processing your request, Please wait....

Report as:	Broken Links Invalid / Wrong Links Missing / Invalid Password Other
Write in Words: (Optional)