Lock your doors and windows!

HOMEOWNERS in Kettering are being advised by police to lock windows and doors securely following burglaries that are occurring in the north east and central parts of town.

Properties which have had front doors and back doors left open, and windows left easily accessible were the reasons 11 out of 13 burglaries had happened in Kettering since the beginning of September.

The 13 burglaries were carried out in All Saints, Northfield, Avondale Grange and William Knibb wards.

Sector Inspector for Kettering, Richard Tall said: “It’s really concerning that so many of the burglaries reported recently have happened at unsecured properties.

“Many of the properties in this part of town are terraced houses where an opportunist burglar can just walk along the street trying each door and if they find one unlocked, it only takes seconds for them to sneak in and steal whatever is lying around. 

“They’ll also go around the back and try the back doors too. In fact, out of the 13 recent burglaries, the offender got in through an unlocked front door at five properties, an unlocked back door at another five, and one thief got in through an open window. 

“While we can’t be certain they wouldn't try to force their way in to a locked house, the chances are they’ll move on to the next one until they find an easier target.

“Most of the recent burglaries have happened overnight while people were at home and asleep but some have happened during the day too.

"So the message is, whatever time of day it is and even when you’re at home, please make sure you keep doors and windows locked!”

For further crime prevention and home security guidance, visit: www.northants.police.uk/crimeprevention

By Matt Hamblin