WITH the increase in the number of car thefts as well as thefts from cars, Thames Valley Police has given some advice on how to reduce the risk of being burgled.

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Here are their tips:

  1. Hide your car keys away from windows and doors and out of sight
  2. Park your car in a well-lit area - either on your driveway or on the roads under a street lamp.
  3. Lock all windows and doors of your car and make sure to activate your car alarm if you have one.
  4. Consider fitting a letterbox defender. This prevents burglars from poking tools through the letterbox to open latches from the inside, or reaching nearby car and house keys. A lockable letterbox on the outside of the property is also an option.
  5. Ensure your doors and windows are locked, if you have a chain on the inside of your door, use it.
  6. If you have an electronic car key, keep it in a security pouch to prevent it being scanned by thieves to open and steal your car nearby.
  7. Consider using or installing tracking devices on vehicles.