Long-serving PC says: "Look at your house through robber’s eyes"

People should look at their home from a robber’s point of view in order to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of burglary, according to a long-serving police officer.

Crime reduction officer PC Nigel Fry made his comments after a report identified the top ten burglary hotspots in the United Kingdom.

According to statistics compiled by insurance firm Endsleigh, Nottingham is the riskiest place for domestic burglaries.

The city was followed by London, Bristol, Stockport and Leeds, while Guildford was found to be the safest place to live.

“Each burglary impacts on someone’s life and is particularly upsetting for the elderly and vulnerable,” said PC Fry who has worked in the police force for over 20 years.

“There are some very simple measures you can take to make your home less attractive to burglars.

“You should increase the natural surveillance of your home by keeping trees and hedges well trimmed; you should ensure that your valuables are traceable and you should ensure that you have good quality door and window locks fitted.”

PC Fry added that Neighbourhood Watch schemes and “keeping an eye out” for neighbours’ houses if they go on holiday are pivotal in tackling burglary.

According to figures from the British Crime Survey, domestic burglary fell by 59% between 1995 and 2007.

Endsleigh spokesperson Rhiannon Harris said: “It’s welcome news that we are seeing a gradual decrease in household theft right across the UK.

“This must be due at least in part to the many initiatives police, local councils and community groups across the country have set up to combat breaches of household security.”

According to the Home Office, there has been a reduction in burglaries thanks to tougher sentences and the fact that people most likely to be targeted by thieves are kept up-to-date with the latest burglary prevention messages.

BELOW: CLICK ON THE BALLOONS TO FIND OUT THE TOP TEN CITIES MOST AT RISK OF THEFT AND THE TOP TEN CITIES SAFEST FROM THEFT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. PLUS, IF YOU WANT TO FIND OUT HOW TO PREVENT BEING BURGLED BUT DON’T HAVE THE TIME TO READ THE ABOVE STORY, WATCH THE SLIDESHOW INSTEAD.