Bumblebee - Burglary prevention
More than 5000 homes were burgled in 2009 in London by thieves simply walking in through unlocked doors, latest Met stats reveal. The campaign material highlights the 5199 homes that were burgled in this way last year, and carries the reminder ‘Always lock before you leave’ while encouraging the public to visit crime prevention site more information and advice.
Just one month before the clocks go back - traditionally a time of increased criminal activity - breakfast radio ads will target listeners in cars or at home, while digital displays will reach commuters at key underground connections.
The campaign focuses on locking the front door as a simple step for members of the public to take, which could have a dramatic impact on burglary numbers.
Radio ads have been developed to interrupt people as they get ready to leave the house in the morning. These ads will run across a number of radio stations, including Kiss, Capital and Heart, as well as community focussed stations such as Kismat and Buzz Asia. Initially 30” adverts for 3 weeks follow by 5 weeks of 10” ‘reminder’ slots.
Supporting the radio advice flyers are being sent to homes across London.
To target commuters, there will be LCD screens carrying an animated version at 100 sites on major underground station hubs.
We have also included approx 15000 property marking packs to be included in student aid packs at the start of the autumn university term.
The Met is advising Londoners to:
- Close and lock all your doors and windows, even if you are only going out for a few minutes.
- Make sure UPVC doors are properly locked with a key.
- Make sure the side and/or back gate is locked.
- Lock your shed or garage.
- Make sure that any valuables are out of sight.
- Leave some lights on if it will be dark before you get home.
- Don’t leave your car keys or ID documents near doors, windows or your letterbox.
- While we see a rise in burglaries of this nature in autumn the overall number of burglaries continues to fall with recent figures (April to August 2010) revealing a 9% reduction compared with the same period last year.
While prevention is vital, the MPS recognises the need to target known or suspected burglars as well. Operation Bumblebee is continuing to investigate and pursue suspects and bring them before the courts.
Officers have also been going out to communities to offer crime prevention advice, including awareness road shows to encourage residents to secure uPVC windows and doors, as some areas of London have seen increases in burglaries at these premises where owners pull the handle on closing, but don’t lock with a key.
- Operation Bumblebee A5 flyer front cover
- Operation Bumblebee A5 flyer back cover