Operation Summer Nights

A new awareness campaign was launched on Monday 28 May, in the lead up to the summer, encouraging residents to pay extra attention to their home security.

Operation Summer Nights has been developed by Bexley Police and London Borough of Bexley to encourage residents to lock their windows and doors properly at night and when they go out, even if they expect to be gone for just a short time.

Safer Neighbourhoods Policing Teams and Bexley's Neighbourhood Services will be providing crime prevention advice and handing out Summer Nights crime prevention leaflets to encourage residents to take some simple steps to help them protect their homes from burglars.

Bexley Borough Commander, Chief Superintendent Victor Olisa said: "I want you to feel safe in your own home and my number one priority is tackling burglary and reducing the likelihood of you becoming a victim."

"By working closely with our partners we want to reduce burglary even further, but we cannot do it without your help! We want you to take action now to lower the chances of becoming a victim of this truly upsetting crime."

"Burglary often hits victims very hard, but you can reduce the risk of being a victim by taking a few simple steps," says Cllr Peter Craske, Bexley's Cabinet member responsible for community safety.

"Although it's not widely known, your household insurance could be invalidated if a thief gained entry to your property through an open window or a door that has not been locked properly, so it's important that you keep your home and property secure."

Our campaign messages are -

- This summer don't invite thieves into your home through an open door or window. Lock them even if you are going out for a short time.
- If you have a uPVC door, lift the handle and lock it properly using the key.
- Securely lock sheds and garages and remember never to leave your tools outside. Sheds and garages are popular targets for burglars. Items of gardening and electrical equipment are easily sold on and hand tools have been used to break into homes.
- If you see or hear anything suspicious, immediately call 999.

You can find out more about how to protect your home by visiting the Met's burglary crime prevention web pages via related links or call your local Safer Neighbourhoods Policing Team via our 101 non-emergency number.