Thinking Security Can Reduce Risk of House Breaking and Larceny

Basseterre, St. Kitts, July 08, 2016 (RSCNPF): An increase in the number of House Breaking and Larceny reports received by the police in the last weeks is of concern for Detective Inspector James Francis in St. Kitts and Detective Inspector Alonzo Carty in Nevis. Francis and Carty are lead detectives in their respective offices within the Criminal Investigations Department of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force.

According to Detective Inspector James Francis “the increase in house breaking s and larceny and burglaries in recent weeks have caused alarm for us. These are crimes of opportunity”, he said, and noted, “the burglar looks for an opportunity to enter your property, and in several of the reported incidents, an unlocked window or door provided the chance.” Inspector Francis added, “by homeowners and property owners embracing and thinking about security they can reduce or remove the opportunity for the burglar and reduce their risk of becoming a victim of a house breaking, larceny or burglary.”

“A burglar does not want to spend too much time on the scene trying to get in. Make your property a difficult one to break into,” said Inspector Francis.

Inspector Carty of the Nevis Division shared some tips for home and property owners, “Before leaving your home or property, ensure all windows and doors are locked. Ensure your property is secured. Put valuables away or out of common sight. Televisions, Computers and cell phones have been the items taken in many of the cases reported. Don’t leave cash around as well,” said Inspector Carty. He added, “When at home, ensure your doors are locked, preventing a burglar from just walking in. Before retiring to bed for the evening, walk your home, touch and verify that every door and window is locked. A burglar will try one door or window, if it’s locked he may try another, but if the second is locked as well, chances are he will leave. Installing motion activated lights around your home or property or leaving on an outside light can also serve as a deterrent.”

He stressed, “don’t make it easy for a burglar by having ladders, blocks and other materials accessible in the yard that can be used to give height and assist an entry. Clear or prune trees that obstruct line of sight around your yards, these are all helpful things you can do to reduce the risk.”

Inspectors Francis and Carty also welcomed and endorsed the Governments initiative to remove the import duty on security equipment.

Inspector Francis said, “I encourage residents to take advantage of the duty free concession on all surveillance equipment to be used by home owners and businesses effective 1 April to December 31, 2016, and to also establish a community watch to enhance the security of your property and that of your neighbours, community vigilance makes a difference in keeping our communities safe.”

Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity they may see in their communities by calling any Police Station or Crime Stoppers, the anonymous hotline at 1-800-8477(TIPS). They invited home and property owners to visit the police facebook page www.facebook.com/RoyalStChristopherAndNevisPoliceForce for helpful burglary and other safety tips.

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