A message from one of our Councillors

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Good afternoon!

This week I received an email from Mark Vernon, one of our fantastic Yateley councillors who have reached out to make me aware of residential vulnerabilities when it comes to home safety. These concerns have arisen whilst Mr Vernon has been out and about knocking doors, so thank you to him and all of our councillors who care so much to make Police aware so we can give out some prevention advice to the people in our community.

During his travels, Mark encountered SIX homes with their doors open with no sign of a resident, and two doors with keys left in the lock. This obviously opens homes up to potential burglars who love nothing more than a nice easy win – either entering at the time or taking keys for a later visit. They’re likely to enter your home when you’re not around, searching for cash and jewellery which is easy to make disappear. You’d also not be covered by your home insurance as you’ve made the mistake of essentially opening the door to criminals! Always make sure you’re locking doors and windows when leaving or even whilst home if you’re busy or in the garden to prevent this. Make sure you’re putting valuable jewellery in a safe and high values of money in a bank to keep it in your wallet instead of someone else’s.

Mr Vernon also saw two cars on driveways with doors wide open and keys in the ignition. I don’t need to tell you the obvious here – a huge open goal for someone to take your car for a joyride.

If you’re a resident of our wonderful area, make sure you’re doing the simple things to keep your home safe and secure! Most criminals are opportunist rather than targeted, and a thief won’t get an easier opportunity than these ones!

Stay safe,

PC 27999 Ben Blundell,

Local Bobby for Yateley, Blackwater and Hawley.