Help stop two-in-one burglars in their tracks

This is the wreckage of a car that was stolen in a two-in-one burglary recently.

The Renault had been stolen from a house in the Haughton area on Sunday evening (March 22).

It was found the following morning in a field in Whinfield having been set on fire.

Officers have since arrested a 16-year-old boy on suspicion of burglary.

He has been interviewed and released on bail while further enquiries are carried out.

A two-in-one burglary is where a burglar breaks into your home with the specific purpose of getting hold of your car keys to steal your car.

These offences are committed by opportunistic thieves. They are not sophisticated or clever; they simply try people’s doors until they come across one that has been left unlocked.

They can also use open windows to access properties.

The more difficult you make it for the burglar, the less likely they are to bother.

Here are some ways you can protect both your car and home from being targeted in two-in-one burglary:

Always lock your door, and shut windows on a night or when you are leaving your house.

Don’t leave your car keys on view or placed near windows, doors or cat-flaps where thieves can see them.

If you have a wireless key, ensure you keep it in a radio frequency deterrent box.

Consider installing CCTV to cover your property and put up a sign to declare that you have CCTV for your neighbours and potential intruders to see.

Fit outside security lighting to the front and back of your home and install a visible intruder alarm.

If you have a garage or outbuilding, please use it and lock your car away when not in use.

If you don’t have a garage, consider fitting sturdy and lockable gates or a security post to your driveway.

Fit a high-quality alarm, immobiliser or tracking device to your car if finances allow and make sure you know how to operate it.

Alternatively, cheaper tracking devices such as an Apple AirTag can be hidden somewhere in your car and can prove just as useful. Consider using a device such as a visible steering or wheel lock.

Always lock your car and make sure doors, windows, the boot, and sunroof are secure whenever you leave your vehicle.

If you own more than one vehicle, park the lesser valued vehicle behind the more expensive one on the driveway, making it more difficult to remove.

Lastly, you can play your part by being extra vigilant and acting as our eyes and ears, especially as the nights get lighter.

Look out for your neighbours and report anything suspicious in your area either by calling 101 or via our website, www.durham.police.uk

You can also provide information anonymously to Crimestoppers on their website or by calling 0800 555 111.

If you see a crime in action, always call 999.