Police have warned residents in Buckinghamshire how to stay safe amid “notable upturn” in burglaries in two areas.

After a steep decline in the number of burglaries over recent years, this type of crime is on the rise again, Thames Valley Police has warned.

New data released by the force shows more than 100 percent rise in burglaries in Amersham and Chalfonts from 2021.

Amersham area Police Sergeant Darren Walsh commented the worrying trend on October 21: “Following a huge drop in burglaries over recent years, there has recently been a notable upturn in burglaries, especially in the Chalfonts and Amersham areas.

READ MORE: Chesham fly-tip plagues residents for months

“This hasn’t gone unaddressed and the analytical data is being used so that the response teams are patrolling identified areas, at the right times.”

Between July 1 and October 1 2022 in Amersham, 20 homes were targeted by criminals, compared to eight year-on-year.  

This means a 150 percent increase.

In Chalfonts, 20 homes were burgled between July 1 and October 1 2022 compared to six year-on-year – representing a 233 percent rise in the number of burglaries.

Car owners are at risk of keyless car thefts, Sgt Walsh warned.

He said: “Although technically not a burglary, keyless car thefts have a big impact on victims. With the changes in technology, keyless car crime is taking place and offenders no longer have to enter your house to steal your car or cars.

“Many of the public are still unaware of this risk and car manufacturers are not hilighting the problem.

“If you have a keyless car please get a Faraday Pouch which can block a key’s signal.

“Certain keys do allow for the signal to be turned off, so it may be worth checking your manual, and some manufacturers can supply motion-sensing fobs, which stop emitting a signal when dormant.”

READ MORE: High Wycombe: Catalytic convertor theft outside Carpetright

To gain entry, suspects will first try the door handle, then knock to see if occupants are at home and, if door is opened, come up with an excuse, police noticed after reviewing CCTV footage.

Last year the force launched the Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) Crime Reduction Advisors, where people who would like an impartial home assessment can speak to a trained volunteer about crime reduction advice. 

Victims of burglaries will be offered a visit by the advisors. For more information, email bucksnhw@gmail.com.

 

These five tips from Police Sgt Walsh can make your property safer.

Keep your doors locked at all times

“Experience shows us that doors are the preferred route into your home for burglars, and can often be as easy as turning a handle.

"Challenge your family when they leave doors unlocked, and don’t offer criminals an easy opportunity.”

Use your Window locks

“It’s all very well having window locks but are you using them?

"Again, this is a common method of entry so let’s make sure that the burglar can’t just open it and wipe the glass away.

"If it is locked there will be an increased risk of DNA transfer. It’s coming into winter so let’s lock the window and have the key on a picture hook nearby.”

Keyless technology

“Make sure that your keys are in a safe location where car thieves can’t target them.”

Lock your gates

“Stop people from having free access to the rear or side of your house.”

Keep a Light On principles

“Make it looks like someone is up and around. Use timer switches, have a radio on or use a fake TV light display to give the illusion you are in.

"Burglars do not want to get caught and will target somewhere else.

"Yes, energy prices are rising, but just one low energy LED light, might save the cost of replacing household valuables, or covering the cost of your house insurance excess.”