In a community update sent via the Met Engage system, Sergeant Bob Swallow confirmed that offenders are increasingly targeting homes that appear empty. Once inside, burglars are reportedly heading straight for bedrooms to locate jewellery boxes, mobile phones, and hidden cash.
Police noted that ‘quick-grab’ valuables are the most at risk. To help residents protect their homes, the West Area Basic Command Unit (BCU) has released a checklist of preventative measures:
- Visibility: Keep all valuables and jewellery boxes out of sight and away from windows
- The ‘lived-in’ look: Use timer lights to ensure your home appears occupied after dark
- Security tech: Install video doorbells or CCTV, and always lock windows and doors, even for quick trips to the shops
- Documentation: Photograph your gold jewellery and record serial numbers for tablets and phones to help police recover items if stolen.
The Met is urging family members to check in on older relatives and ensure they are using door chains and viewers before opening the door to strangers. Police advise against keeping large sums of money at home and suggest using monitored alarm systems for those living alone.
Sergeant Swallow is also asking neighbours to look out for one another. Suspicious behaviour to watch for includes:
- Individuals trying door handles or peering into gardens
- Unknown vehicles loitering on residential streets for long periods.
- Emergency: Call 999 if a crime is in progress
- Non-urgent: Call 101 or report online via met.police.uk