Buxton residents encouraged to be vigilant following burglaries

Officers from the Buxton Safer Neighbourhood Team are urging residents, particularly elderly residents, to take extra steps to boost their security.

Sometime between 11pm on Saturday, February 20 and 8.45am the following morning, thieves entered a property along Grange Road in Buxton. Once inside, they carried out an untidy search of the ground floor before making off with cash and a Hudl 2 tablet. (CR/7853/16)

Police have also received reports of an attempted burglary at a property on Hardwick Mount in Buxton after a homeowner discovered damage to their door and a discarded crowbar.

The incident is believed to have taken place sometime between 10.30pm on Friday, February 19 and 12.40pm on Saturday, February 20. No entry was gained however damage was caused. (CR/7745/16)

Following the incidents, residents are being encouraged to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity or vehicles to police, offering a detailed description where possible. This will help officers to stop a crime from taking place.

Sergeant Denis Murphy from the Buxton Town Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “Along with carrying out increased patrols to deter criminals, we will also be speaking to residents, particularly the elderly members of our community, about the steps that they can take to further protect their property against crime.

“There are many simple steps that can be taken to protect your property, such as ensuring that windows and doors are locked when leaving the property or going to bed, and keeping house and vehicle keys out of the lock and out of view. It is also important keep an eye out on the property of elderly friends or relatives.

“Residents are our eyes and ears in the community so we are asking for their assistance in reporting any suspicious people or vehicles to us so that we can stop a crime from happening.”

Crime prevention advice for boosting your home security includes:

Ensure your property is fitted with locking windows and substantial locks on doors as this will deter criminals;

Keep doors and windows locked even if you are home – it only takes seconds for an opportunist burglar to get into your property;

Leave a light on if you are heading out and buy timer switches to turn lights on at a specific point;

Fit a burglar alarm and if you already have one, use it at all opportunities;

Mark your property with kit such as SmartWater and get bikes security marked, too;

Register valuables for free on the secure website immobilise.com, which helps police reunite recovered stolen items with their owners;

Be vigilant and report suspicious activity immediately to the police on 999 if a crime is in progress, 101 in a non-emergency or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Anyone with any information about the above incidents is asked to contact police on 101, quoting the crime number above, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.