Warning to Bognor residents who leave homes unsecure

Residents who leave their homes insecure will receive 'Gotcha' cards from the police.

Patrol officers who see properties which are an open invitation to burglars will post the cards through letterboxes urging the homeowners to be more security minded.

The initiative follows last summer's launch of the cards for motorists whose vehicles in Bognor Regis town centre are easy targets for crooks.

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Sergeant Danny West said: "Burglary rates are falling across the Arun district but we are approaching the spring and summer when people leave their homes insecure.

"We have taken the initiative by launching a pro-active campaign in our district to tie in with the national initiative that is being run by the Home Office.

"We are also encouraging residents to be good neighbours and keep an eye out for others in their street. If you see anything suspicious, don't hesitate to call us on 999."

The 'Gotcha' card campaign comes as the evenings get lighter to mean people are out and about more and give less thought to securing their properties and belongings.

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Crimes of domestic burglary across the district went down to 355 break-ins during the year to January compared to 369 the previous year.

This continues a trend which has seen the number of break-ins more than halve in the five years to January with 394 fewer victims.

Councillor Roger Elkins, a member of the Arun Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership alliance of local agencies working together to reduce crime across the district, said: "Thieves and burglars will go for the easy option or exploit any opportunity that presents itself.

"Let's not make it easy for thieves. Figures show that one in three burglaries happen because a window or a door has been left open.

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"By following some simple advice we can beat the criminals and reduce crime even further in Arun."

The basic precautions against the burglars include keeping property locked, safe and hidden.

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