This gives the opportunist thief such huge opportunities to remove your possessions. If you wish to leave windows open then always use a lock with a key to secure them in position.

The warmer weather is with us and your thoughts are on the garden. How often have you left your side gates unlocked or unbolted? House doors and windows open at the front while you are working around the back?

Again this is a golden opportunity for the quick trip into the house, remove bags, wallets, tv’s, video’s, mobile telephone and car keys to the vehicle that is usually used to drive away the stolen property.

‘Sneak In’ theft is not only to the home it also applies to the garage, shed and greenhouse. Take Care. Post Code, House Number and Lock UP. Quite often the property has not been post coded as advised.

UV marker pens are available from the Crime Prevention Panel to post code and house number your goods along with purse and wallet security lanyards. These lanyards do assist with preventing thefts from bags whilst out shopping, especially within busy crowded areas and supermarkets. Handbags are still being left unattended on top of the shopping trolley. Again an ideal opportunist thief is always on the look out for these events. Why let others get rich quick at your expense?

Have you checked your vehicle insurance details recently? Some insurance companies are questioning your vehicle key security in cases of key theft to drive away your vehicle. Always put All your keys away safe and out of sight. Never Ever leave them on top of tables or worktops.

l Crime Prevention Panel details :

The Chairman, Wetherby & District Crime Prevention Panel

c/o West Yorkshire Police, Wetherby Police Station

Boston Road, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS22 5HA

Email ifo@btinternet.com