The long nights provide plenty of opportunities for burglars. Photo: ALAMY.
The Metropolitan Police in Lewisham began Operation Undercut on September 16 to tackle the seasonal increase in burglary during the Autumn and winter months.
The operation will focus on areas currently suffering from burglaries and areas known historically to suffer from burglaries at this time of the year. It will aim to target these specific areas and specific offenders with a zero tolerance approach.
Residents will see an increased police presence with extra patrols by uniformed and plain-clothed officers. Officers through these increased patrols and intelligence gathering will target anyone suspected of being involved in burglary with a view to disrupting their activity and securing arrests.
Officers will also be targeting people known to commit burglary.
Acting Detective Inspector Andy Durham, Serious Acquisitive Crime Lewisham said: “Burglary is a violation of people’s homes, a place where individuals and their families should feel safe and secure. We are now entering a period which traditionally sees an increase in criminal activity and although many residential burglaries are as a result of criminals forcing their way into homes, many thefts can be prevented if everyone takes simple measures to protect their property.”
He added: “Operation Undercut is also about sending a clear message to the criminals who should take note of the pro-active approach we are taking and think twice before targeting properties. My message to them is this we will not hesitate to exercise the powers available to us to stop you if we know you are offending.”
Steps that can be taken to protect your home include closing and locking all doors and windows (even if you are only going out for a few minutes), making sure UPVC doors are properly locked with a key, making sure the side and/or back gate is locked, and locking your shed or garage and ensuring all tools are locked away.
Also, to make sure that any valuables are out of sight, leaving some lights on if it will be dark before you get home, and to not leave your car keys or ID documents near doors, windows or your letterbox.
