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| Ullswater Road, Lancaster. Photo via Google Maps |
Lancaster Police are urging home owners to make their properties secure following a spate of opportunist burglaries.
Police say there have been five burglaries since the beginning of the month where entry has been gained through insecure doors or open upstairs windows and a variety of items have then been stolen.
On the evening of 10th November, a handbag was stolen from a house on Ullswater Road whilst the victim was upstairs. Her bag had been left near to her front door with the blinds open and the lights on in the room in full view of the footpath on the busy street.
On 9th November, someone also sneaked into a house on Coniston Road through an insecure bathroom window and stolen a PlayStation 3 and Samsung laptop.
Similar offences have also been committed on Patterdale Road, Canal Walk and Greenfield Street.
Residents are being reminded of the need to secure all doors and windows prior to leaving their address. Valuable property should also be security marked.
Sergeant Dave Callan said: “In some cases homes have been entered while the occupants are still inside. Unfortunately the darker winter nights undoubtedly provide cover for burglars who walk up driveways and try doors without being seen.
“Many of these offences are completely avoidable by people simply locking the doors to their house. Car keys and handbags left on display are an incentive for burglars to walk in and help themselves.
“Burglaries are at an all-time low and to maintain that members of the public need to remain vigilant and reduce opportunities for thieves.
“Security lighting and locked gates are just a couple of ideas that will help.”
Anyone with any information about any burglary should call Lancashire Police on 101.
People with information can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.