Home owners get security tips after burglaries

Two-in-one burglaries are where car keys are stolen during a burglary, and then the homeowner’s car is also taken.

The most recent incident happened on Enfield Road, Chesterfield, in the early hours of Monday, May 12.

The keys to a Vauxhall Astra were allegedly stolen from a home, and the car was taken as well.

Keys to a Nissan Micra, and the car, were reported stolen along with a TV, laptop, Xbox and two iPods from a property on Station Road, Eckington, between Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11.

In Killamarsh, the keys to a Vauxhall Zafira and the car were stolen after a home on Kestrel Close was broken into overnight between Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4.

Officers are appealing to residents to be vigilant, to report any suspicious activity to police and to take extra care to ensure that homes are secure.

Community Safety Inspector Russell Dakin said: “Enquiries are being carried out by officers around these recent offences, but we also want to remind people to make sure their homes and car keys are secure.

“Always double check that your doors and windows are locked before going to bed, and don’t leave your car keys on view on kitchen tables, hooks on walls, or near to windows or cat flaps where a thief could see and possibly reach them.”

People are also advised to:

Not leave handbags, wallets or other valuables on display;

If no-one is home during the evening, leave a light on or a radio playing. Consider using a timing device;

Don’t leave tools, ladders or other implements outside, thieves could use these to gain entry to your property;

Fit outside security lighting and an alarm if possible and ensure they are in working order. Always set them when you are out or go to bed. Remember to lock all gates, sheds and garage doors;

Always lock your car and use devices such as steering wheel locks to make it less attractive to thieves. Fit an alarm or tracking device if you can afford to;

And if you have a garage, use it. If thieves can’t see your car, they can’t steal it. If you don’t have a garage consider fitting gates or a security post to your driveway.

Inspector Dakin added: “Many thieves will be looking to take an opportunity, so the best advice is to not make life easy for them. The harder and less tempting your home looks, the less likely they are to target your property.”

Three men aged 30, 20 and 18 from Chesterfield were arrested in Walton at around 10pm on Tuesday, May 13 on suspicion of theft in connection with the incident on Enfield Road. They have been bailed pending further enquiries.

If you have any information that can help officers investigating these offences, please contact Derbyshire police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.