Twyford

The neighbourhood policing team in the Twyford area is warning residents to keep their houses locked up following a spate of recent attempted break-ins.

Last Saturday three properties in Sonning and Charvil were targeted during the night.

At one property in Sonning, entry was attempted via the patio doors and garage. Lawn-mowing equipment was stolen from the garage but entry to the house was unsuccessful.

At another property in Sonning, offenders gained entry via a small window which had been left open, but the alarm was activated and they left empty handed.

At a property in Charvil entry was gained via a small, insecure window. The burglar was disturbed but did manage to steal some small items.

On Monday (01/6) there was a report of a suspicious man on the driveway of another property in Charvil.

PC Terry Neblett, Twyford Neighbourhood Specialist Officer for the area said: “I would just like residents to be aware of basic home security measures. A burglar will be in and out of your home is a very short space of time via a window left open on a warm summer night.

“Make sure you lock all doors and windows and keep the keys out of sight - take them upstairs with you ideally.”

Sarah Day, Twyford Crime Reduction Advisor, gives the following tips:

* Increase physical security on homes with adequate locks on doors (5-lever mortice dead-locks) and windows to making sure that a home looks occupied when people go away on holiday (e.g. the use of timer switches to turn lights on and off).
* Ensure all windows are shut and locked at all times when the home is unoccupied.
* Ensure that garden tools are securely locked away, to avoid them being used to get into homes.
* It is vital that everyone double locks their door and keeps all keys hidden and away from the door, but in a place that is easily accessible in the case of a fire.
* If you have an alarm fitted, use it.

If you would like security advice you can contact your local Twyford neighbourhood policing team or the crime reduction advisor for Wokingham LPA via the police enquiry centre on 0845 8 505 505. They will come to inspect your home and offer security advice.

Thames Valley Police ~ Twyford