Burglars given easy time
Burglars are getting an easy time in Stafford borough as new figures show many people leave their homes insecure.
Raiders sneak through open doors and windows and between June 1 and July 31 there were 11 sneak-in burglaries in Stafford and Stone.
There were also 24 across Cannock and Rugeley – 15 involving homes in Cannock where owners left front doors unlocked. Another seven involved sneaking through open windows. Two burglaries were by unknown means.
Police have warned people to ensure their homes are secure but the problem is worse at this time of year with hotter weather and homeowners out in the garden or in other parts of their house.
Twelve burglaries involved car keys being stolen then used to steal a homeowners car straight off their driveway.
Pc Ash Connor, community safety officer for the Chase division, said: "The incidents have occurred at all times of day and night, sometimes when residents have been out, sometimes when they have been in other parts of the house.
"Homeowners can make it more difficult to commit this type of crime by keeping doors and windows locked not just when you are out, but in any unoccupied rooms, by keeping keys and other valuables out of sight away from doors and windows, and by reporting any suspicious activity to the police immediately." He added: "It only takes a few minutes for an opportunist thief to sneak-in."
