There have been 13 burglaries in the past two weeks and I’d like to encourage members of the public to make sure they are doing everything they can to deter the opportunist burglar.

I am urging your readers to make sure they are doing everything they can to secure their homes so that they don’t become a victim of burglary.

While we do have an additional number of officers on patrol, both in high-visibility and covert roles, there are simple steps people can take in order to better protect their homes.

I would particularly like to stress to people to make sure their doors are locked — just lifting the handle on a UPVC door doesn’t make it secure, it needs to be locked with a key as well.

Simply doing this, could stop you becoming a victim of burglary.

Make a habit of checking that all ground floor windows and doors are secure when you either leave the house or go to bed.

Upstairs windows should also be locked when the house is unoccupied.

Also, if you witness someone acting suspiciously or an unfamiliar vehicle in your street, perhaps keep a pen and some paper handy.

A description of a person or car number plate may be just what the police need to catch a burglar.

We want to send a clear message that burglars are not welcome in Hertsmere.

Sergeant Noel Buckley

Hertsmere Safer Neighbourhood Team