People across Staffordshire are being urged to protect their homes and their valuables from opportunistic thieves as the nation approaches the end of the latest coronavirus lockdown.

It comes as, in the last 12 months, the reported number of home burglaries in Staffordshire has reduced by 26 percent overall, in part due to the impact of the pandemic restrictions.

Since a new force-wide burglary residential response process was introduced on 1 March last year, officers have continued to prioritise this type of crime; attending incidents, monitoring trends and launching distinct investigations.

As a result, in September last year, police say they attended 97 percent of all reported home burglaries, with an increase in the number of positive outcomes recorded.

They added that total of 48 percent of victims said they felt more confident in the police after officers supported them following the burglary of their homes.

Now police have issued a number of top tips on how to prevent burglaries as restrictions ease.

They include:

- Closing and locking all your windows and doors before you leave the property

- Double lock front and back doors

- Make sure valuables are out of sight including car keys, handbags and important documents

- In the evening, shut blinds and/or curtains and leave a light on

- Use a timer to activate lights and/or the radio if you're out of the property all day

- Ensure garages, bikes and side gates are all locked securely

- Set a burglar alarm

Chief Inspector Giles Parsons, who is the force lead on residential burglary, said: "We understand the impact someone breaking into your home can have on the whole family, that is why we are committed to pursuing every opportunity to catch and convict those responsible.

"But, I would urge people to continue to maintain and maximise their home security in order to reduce the likelihood of them being a victim of this type of crime."

To report burglary, contact Staffordshire Police on Facebook or Twitter or call 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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