Home and car owners are being encouraged to be vigilant about closing windows and locking doors, despite the warm weather, to avoid becoming a victim of crime.

The advice, from the Safer North Hampshire* Community Safety Partnership, encourages people to follow basic safety precautions to ensure their home, vehicles and outbuildings remain safe from opportunistic burglars.

Young people are also being urged to avoid taking part in any activities that may be considered “antisocial” over the summer holidays. This could include verbal abuse, criminal damage, graffiti or substance misuse, some of which are also criminal offences.

Councillor Simon Bound, Chairman of the Safer North Hampshire Partnership, said: “Opportunistic burglars are always looking for homes that look empty while people are on holiday or open windows or doors when they are in the garden or popped out for a short time. We are encouraging people to keep windows and doors secure, even in warm weather. In addition, keep sheds and garages locked to help protect your property.”

“We want everyone to have an enjoyable summer and to keep issues in perspective – only a small minority of young people ever commit antisocial behaviour, with most young people enjoying the good weather and the chance to relax and socialise with family and friends.”

Crime prevention tips include:
• Making homes looked lived in by using automatic timer switches to either switch on lights or turn the radio on.
• Secure windows when not in the room – net curtains or blinds can help to prevent burglars from seeing inside.
•  Ensure the front door is locked if everyone is in the back garden.
• Do not discuss holiday plans in front of strangers or post details on social networking sites in advance or while on holiday.  If possible, ask a trusted neighbour or a friend to keep an eye on the house and outbuildings.
• Fit sheds with a good quality padlock, with fittings reinforced at the back with a steel plate. Consider replacing any existing door screws with ones that cannot be unscrewed once they are screwed in, and check that house insurance covers items in sheds, garages and outbuildings.
• Lock vehicles and do not leave the windows open, even in hot weather. Never leave items on display, and never leave children or dogs alone in hot vehicles- even for a few minutes.
• Property mark valuables with a UV pen, as well as registering them free on www.immobilise.com, including the make, model and photographs of items.

More information and advice is available on the Safer North Hampshire website, www.safernh.co.uk or the Hampshire Constabulary website, www.hampshire.police.uk