Police are appealing for residents in Prestatyn to be extra vigilant following a spate of house burglaries over the past few weeks.
A dedicated team of officers are currently investigating the offences and have already made a number of arrests. Three people have been charged with a variety of offences and five local men are on police bail pending further enquiries. Police have also executed search warrants in the town.
Detective Inspector Iestyn Davies from St Asaph CID has appealed for residents not make their home an easy target for burglars. He said: “Most burglaries are crimes of opportunity. A burglar only needs to spot an open window, unlocked side gate or dodgy alarm to make their move.
“If you know your home security looks poor, so will a thief. Statistics show that properties with little security are 15 times more likely to be burgled than those with good security.”
Avoid becoming a victim of crime with the following advice:
- When you go out, always close and lock the external doors and windows – even if you are just going out for a short time.
- Use timers for lights and radios if you need to be away from home overnight or when you are on holiday. They will create the impression that someone is in.
- Window locks, especially on older windows, will help stop people getting in (and remember – a burglar is less likely to break in if they have to smash a window).
- Don’t leave spare keys outside or in a garage or shed, and put car keys or garage keys out of sight in the house.
- Visible burglar alarms, good lighting and carefully directed security lighting can put burglars off.
- If you have deadlocks, use them. They make it harder for a thief to get out again. But don’t leave the key near the door or in an obvious place.
- Fitting a spy hole allows you to see who is at the door. A door chain lets you open the door a little way to talk to the caller.
- Never leave garages or sheds unlocked, especially if they connect to your property.
If anyone has any information in relation to these recent burglaries please contact detectives at St Asaph CID on 101, if you are calling from Wales or 0845 607 1001 (Welsh line), 0845 607 1002 (English line) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Alternatively send a text message to 66767 or email – [email protected]
