Householders are being urged to take crime prevention measures

Brent Police are urging residents to take simple steps to deter burglars from targeting their homes as the winter approaches.

Officers are warning that as the evenings get darker, burglars will be on the prowl for valuables and cash.

Many strike around the festive season as they are aware that homes will be filled gifts and items are on display.

In addition properties remain in darkness for much longer periods which make them easier to target, especially if there are no obvious signs there is anyone home.

Detective Superintendent, Simon Rose from Brent Police, said: “Being burgled is a distressing experience and the memory of the offence can have a lasting effect.

“Brent Borough takes burglary seriously - we want people to feel safe in their homes and in their communities and we committed to catching burglars and car thieves. We will use all methods and technology available to us to do so.

“We are also determined to raise people’s awareness of security and help stop burglary from happening in the first place.

“Burglary, on the whole, is an opportunist crime, with burglaries often resulting from insecure premises.

“A burglar will select their target because it offers them the best opportunity to carry out their crime undetected and with the fewest number of obstacles in their way. A building that presents itself as unoccupied and insecure is far more likely to be targeted than one which is properly secured.

“Don’t let your home become a target. Help us to help you to protect your home by taking simple steps such as using timers to turn lights and radios on; fitting alarms; making sure homes are locked before going out and keeping valuables out of view.

“I urge Brent residents to find out more by visiting our dedicated page on our Met website http://content.met.police.uk/Site/crimepreventionbumblebee.

As part of a London-wide campaign the Met will be reminding people about the importance of crime prevention through radio ads, posters on the underground, newspaper ads and digital/mobile targeting.