BOILERS were stolen from several properties currently under construction in Mortimer.

Offenders entered the properties and took 12 boilers between 5pm on December 14 and 7am on December 15.

This took place in Hollybush Lane, Mortimer West End.

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Thames Valley Police (TVP) has asked for anybody with information to come forward by contacting the Police Enquiry Centre on 101 (Ref 43200424761).

TVP have issued tips on ways to keep homes and property safe from burglaries during the Christmas period.

This includes:

Delivered items:

  • Track your parcels and make sure items are delivered when you are at home to receive them, or have them delivered to a trusted alternative address
  • Cut up packaging for any expensive items so that it will fit inside your refuse bin, never leave boxes next to the bin where they can be seen
  • Install a video doorbell; this can be connected to your mobile so you are notified immediately of any delivery, and is easier to install than a full CCTV system
  • Install a security light
  • Use an off-site locker service for frequent deliveries, or for expensive items; these parcel boxes are more likely to be in busy, safer locations - such as supermarkets - rather than secluded areas which could be targeted by thieves
  • Remove any address labels as they can give away what you’ve had delivered as well as increase the chances of you becoming a victim of identity fraud

As many of us are likely to be celebrating at home this Christmas, TVP have also said:

  • Don’t leave presents on view under the Christmas tree
  • Cut up packaging for any expensive gifts so that it will fit inside your refuse bin, never leave boxes next to the bin where they can be seen
  • Refrain from posting photos of high value presents, such as jewellery or electronics, on social media
  • Remember to mark your new presents using a UV pen and register them on the national property register at immobilise.com

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Keyless car theft

TVP are also seeing that high value vehicles are being targeted by villains who use technology to lock on to the frequency emitted by your car’s remote locking key fob and use that to ‘fool’ the car in to thinking that it is being unlocked legitimately.

You can reduce the effectiveness of this tactic by ensuring that your keys are kept well away from doors or windows or by purchasing a ‘signal blocking’ pouch or box which will interrupt the capture of the frequency.