Police have advised residents on how to deter burglars.

The Sherborne Rural Safer Neighbourhood Team said that a few simple measures can dramatically reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of burglars.

They noted to residents that:

• A burglar likes an unoccupied house
• A burglar likes ‘signs’ (e.g. post left in letterbox, parcel or newspapers on doorstep).
• A burglar likes to use your ladders or tools to access your house.
• A burglar will see any opportunity (e.g. spare keys under mat, open windows, or unlocked door.

They therefore suggest these measures:

• Close and lock all doors and windows.
• Lock and secure your garage, shed, side gates & ladders.
• Always use a good quality lock.
• Don’t advertise recent purchases by leaving packaging outside for all to see.
• Fit an outside light with a motion sensor.
• Don’t be a creature of habit – a burglar knows the obvious places people keep their keys, jewellery and documents.
• Consider fitting a visible burglar alarm.
• Fit a timer to indoor lights and/or a television or radio.
• Don’t tell everyone you are away by mentioning it on social media.
• Keep your valuables out of sight and security mark them with a UV marker.