Police urge residents to be vigilant after key safe burglaries

Police are urging residents to be vigilant and to make outdoor key safes as secure as possible following a spate of house burglaries. 

Inquiries are ongoing following a series of incidents in Clifton where the suspect gained entry by attacking outside key safes to get the house keys contained inside. 

Additional targeted reassurance patrols have been taking place in affected areas as investigators continue to work hard to find those responsible and police teams work together to tackle the issue and prevent further incidents. 

Among the recent reports involved a key safe being completely ripped from the wall of a home, during the early hours of Saturday (22 February), before the property was accessed. 

The victim’s wallet, which contained a bank card and a quantity of cash, was stolen. 

The offender was described as being white and around 6ft tall. He was wearing dark clothing and a face covering. 

Inspector Steve Dalby, neighbourhood policing inspector for city south, said: “I’d like to reassure people that our lines of inquiry are ongoing into these incidents, including checking CCTV footage, and we are working hard to find those responsible and bring them to justice. 

“We have stepped up both marked and unmarked patrols in response to these burglaries to provide reassurance while our investigations continue. 

“We are also advising people to check their security and giving some safety advice regarding key safes.

“Key safes are generally convenient and a reassurance, especially for vulnerable people in our community.

"However, we’re concerned that key safes fixed on walls next to front doors are more likely to be targeted than those fixed around the back of a house or in a more obscure location. 

“To protect your home and belongings, we’re advising people to consider relocating the key safe to somewhere less obvious and out of general view from passers-by. 

“We’d also urge residents to make sure the key safe is of good quality and made of strong material, preferably one that comes with “Secured By Design” approved accreditation, and that it is securely fastened to a wall.

"We'd advise people to change the combination to the safe regularly, and to consider taking the key out when they know they won’t need it, such as at night when some of these burglaries have occurred. 

"It is also advisable if you have a key safe that you don't use, to leave it open showing nothing inside which would remove the temptation of a passing opportunist."

Insp Dalby added: “We are also urging people to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to us, make sure doors and windows are locked and any valuables are kept secure and out of sight. 

“To protect your home further against burglary, we would always recommend installing security lights, alarms, and CCTV. 

“We would also advise residents to check any visible burglar alarms they have are working to act as an additional deterrent as we continue to work hard to prevent any further offences from occurring.” 

Anyone who sees any suspicious activity in their area is advised to report it immediately by calling Nottinghamshire Police on 101. If a crime is in progress call 999. 

Police teams are continuing to work together to tackle and prevent burglary in the Clifton area as part of a multifaceted problem management plan. 

Nottinghamshire Police’s problem-solving coordinators, who proactively work to reduce and deter crime across the city and county, are part of the force’s Prevention Hub - a collaboration between force departments responsible for developing strategies to prevent crime and disorder throughout the city and county.  

Neighbourhood policing officers are actively forging ahead with this plan to prevent and crack down on burglary. 

Nottinghamshire Police’s crime prevention officers - who are also part of the force’s Prevention Hub – continue to speak with affected victims, provide risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities, and suggest burglary prevention measures to residents to reduce repeat victims of crime and deter offenders. 

For more advice on home security, visit Protecting your home from crime | Crime prevention | Nottinghamshire Police