Officers from the RCIPS are warning members of the public to be extra vigilant and to ensure that they keep a record, including serial numbers, of all electrical items following a spate of burglaries in the past few weeks.

While burglaries have actually fallen slightly year on year (2012 compared to 2011) they do, at present, represent almost 75% of reported serious crime in the Islands. That’s why officers are urging members of the public and businesses to do their part to ensure that their security measures are appropriate.

“Burglars can, and will, strike at all times of the day or night – that’s why we need you, the public, to take all necessary steps to make your home/ business secure,” said Chief Inspector Frank Owens. “If a burglar has the choice of two properties, one with security or locked windows and doors, or another without such measures, he or she will take the easy option.  Do not have your home or business targeted because it’s an easy option!”

“You should also make sure that you mark your property with a UV pen and take note of the make, model and serial number. The latest electrical items of choice for burglars operating in the Cayman Islands are laptops. So, please make sure you do all you can to keep your computer as safe as possible. If the property is stolen the chances of it being recovered increase greatly if you can provide the police with such detailed information. In fact, the RCIPS is now working in partnership with Ecay, and if people can provide detailed information, including serial numbers, officers will consider posting that information on the site, both as a crime prevention measure and to appeal for information.

“Remember if you are offered a cut-price computer, and the seller is unable to provide details of purchase history etc., then you should be suspicious – it may in fact be stolen and you could end up being charged with receiving stolen goods.”

Crime prevention advice relating to burglaries can be found on the RCIPS website –

http://www.rcips.ky/portal/page?_pageid=2425,5616724&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

The basic steps to follow are:

• When you go out, always lock the door and the windows – even if you are not going far.
• Window locks, especially on older windows, will help stop people getting in – and remember a burglar is less likely to break in if they have to smash a window.
• If you have deadlocks, use them. They make it harder for a thief to get in and out – do not leave the key in an obvious place.
• Don’t leave spare keys outside and put keys out of sight within the house.
• Use timers for lights and radios if you need to be away from home overnight. This will create the impression someone is in.
• Visible burglar alarms, well lit streets and carefully directed security lighting can put burglars off. But make sure that lights don’t disturb your neighbours and alarms turn off after 20 minutes.
• Fences at the back of the house may make this area more secure, but walls and solid fencing may let a thief break in without being seen. A good compromise is chain-link fencing, or trellises with prickly shrubs.
• Fitting a ‘spy hole’ allows you to see who is at the door before you open it. Having a door chain means you can open the door just a small way to talk to them if you do not know them.

Anyone who wishes to speak to a police officer about crime prevention concerns should contact their local police station.