South Yorkshire: Do you want a burglar in your home for Christmas?

South Yorkshire Police have warned homeowners to be more vigilant with their property heading into the festive period.
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One in four burglaries occur in South Yorkshire due to doors and windows being left unlocked.

The campaign, launched on Monday 17th November, aims to promote crime prevention and give advice to residents.

Superintendent Scott Green said: “Burglary is an incredibly intrusive crime that can leave the victim devastated and afraid to be in their own home.”

“By keeping doors and windows locked, even when you are in the home, and removing valuables from view, you are protecting yourself and your property from opportunistic thieves who will not think twice about entering your home if they discover a door unlocked or see car keys on the windowsill.”

Further crime prevention advice includes using timers on lights to give the impression someone is home when it is unattended.

Consider using a UV or permanent marker to mark your property with your postcode, house number or name and register them on www.immobilise.com to increase the chances of getting them back if they are lost or stolen.

Supt Green added: “On the run up to Christmas thieves will relish the opportunity to sneak in and steal gifts that are sat under the Christmas tree, and even after Christmas, ensure you dispose of empty boxes and rubbish discreetly, as this a clear sign to burglars that you have new and valuable items in your home.”

“Keep your property secure and don’t give criminals the chance to ruin what should be an enjoyable time to spend with family and friends; do not give them an open invitation to your home.”

Call police on 101.