Residents to be vigilant after burglaries reported in Flintshire and Denbighshire

We are urging residents to be vigilant following recent reports of burglaries in rural villages in Flintshire and Denbighshire.

Patrols have been increased in reported areas and officers have been out and about raising awareness of minimising the risk of burglaries.

Burglars are often opportunistic thieves who prey on houses and flats. They seek out any opening that they can take advantage of, specifically doors and windows that are left open or unlocked or are easy to force.

Help keep burglars out by giving them no hiding place and prevent a distraction burglary by:

• Locking all doors and windows - even when at home.
• Leaving a light on - signal someone is at home by keeping a light on, or use a timer if you won’t be in. Also consider installing outdoor lighting too.
• Not advertising you’re away on social media- this tells burglars that your house is empty.
• Using visible deterrents and security- think visible cameras or even just a sticker to say that cameras are in operation. Many burglars tend to avoid houses where an intruder alarm has been fitted.
• Keeping valuables out of sight and don’t leave packaging for expensive items outside your property.
• Not leaving keys in hiding places such as under doormats – it’s the first place a burglar is likely to look.

Detective Inspector Kris Williams said: “Having your home burgled is a personal violation and we understand the significant effect that this has on victims.

“Officers have been working within their communities to proactively reduce this type of crime by visiting residents to make them aware of the threats, as well as helping them make their properties less attractive to criminals.”

To further reduce offences of acquisitive crime and improve safety in our communities, we have recently launched the ‘We Don't Buy Crime’ initiative.

More information about We Don't Buy Crime is available here - We Don't Buy Crime | North Wales Police

If you see anybody acting suspiciously in your area, you can report it to us via the live web chat or by calling 101.

For up-to-date information about crime, events, advice and general policing activity in your local area, sign up to North Wales Community Alerts here: Register - North Wales Community Alert 

More crime prevention information can be found here: Keep burglars out of your property | North Wales Police