POLICE have visited hundreds of Surrey Heath residents to help them protect their properties from burglars this winter.
Since September 1, 43 burglaries have been committed in the borough.
British Asian communities have been disproportionately affected for their gold jewellery, which is often bought as a wedding gift and passed down through generations.
Senior leaders at Surrey Police shared their efforts to track down burglars during the tenth Policing Your Community event, which took place in Frimley on the evening of Monday, December 2.
Burglary patrol
Borough Commander Gemma Taylor said two members of her team have voluntarily made a permanent move to late shifts to ensure they’re on-hand during the night to support burglary victims.
Meanwhile, her officers have visited almost 400 homes in recent weeks to reassure residents and issue burglary prevention advice and free motion alarms.
Days after the forum, Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend joined Surrey Heath’s Safer Neighbourhood Team for a shift.
During the evening, foot patrols took place in residential areas of Camberley, Windlesham, Frimley, Lightwater, and West End and Bisley.
Prevention advice
Lisa said: “Becoming a victim of a burglary has a really significant impact that often lingers long after the crime has taken place.
“Most burglaries have taken place when residents are out of their homes at work or on the school run. In most cases, their homes were in darkness when the offenders broke in.
“The team here in Surrey Heath are doing all they can to track down the individuals responsible for these appalling crimes, and I know how hard all staff, officers and volunteers are working to end this spate of offending.
“But in the meantime, there are things residents can do to help prevent burglaries.
“Significant impact”
“Always report a burglary on 101 or digital 101, or 999 if a crime is in progress, and please make sure you do this as quickly as possible.
“If you see anything that seems concerning, but you’re not sure if a crime has taken place, you can report it via Surrey Police’s Suspicious Activity Portal.”
Resources to help prevent a crime taking place are available via surrey.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/protect-home-crime/keep-burglars-out-property.