South Belfast residents have been warned to be vigilant around the security of their homes following a spate of burglaries in the area.
Over the course of the past month police have received reports regarding 28 residential burglaries across the South Belfast area from Rossetta to the Lisburn Road.
In each incident items were taken after thieves made their way inside of a property, either through forced entry or the homeowners leaving their doors unlocked.
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Five of the incidents saw a vehicle being taken from the homes.
SDLP South Belfast Cllr McKeown said: "Over the past few weeks we have seen a number of burglaries, including incidents where car keys have been taken and vehicles stolen. These crimes have taken place across the area, including in Stranmillis, Ballynafeigh and off the Lisburn Road.
"Aside from the impact of burglary itself in terms of material loss, it can also have a long-term impact on victims' wellbeing as it is an invasive crime and can leave people feeling unsafe in their own homes.
"The means of entry has varied in the recent incidents, with some forced and others via open doors or windows. Although we can't completely eliminate the risk of burglary, there are some steps each of us can take to make our homes less attractive to would-be criminals, such as making sure to keep windows closed and doors locked when we are out or at night, avoiding leaving your key in the front door, and not leaving anything such as a ladder lying about that a burglar could use to gain access through an upstairs window.
"As we move forward, the likelihood of fewer people working from home compared with the past couple of years may also create an attraction for opportunistic burglars during the day, so make sure you lock up well if you are back in the office.
"I would also urge anyone who sees anything suspicious to report it. If you notice anything untoward in your area, you can ring police on 101, or 999 if a crime is taking place or in an emergency.
"By looking out for each other and ourselves, we can all help reduce this type of crime and help police catch those responsible."
Police have said they are aware of the incidents in South Belfast and have made five arrests relating to three of the cases.
Chief Inspector Allister Hagan said: “During the month of March we received 28 reports of residential burglaries within the south Belfast area.
“Three of these incidents resulted in five arrests and from these arrests, one person was charged. Two people were interviewed and bailed pending ongoing enquiries and two people were interviewed and reported to the Public Prosecution Service.
“The vast majority of the remaining incidents were delayed reports to police and remain as live investigations, with forensic evidence having been retrieved and submitted for examination.
“If these examinations return positive identifications then further arrests will follow from this.
“Preventing burglaries remains a top priority for south Belfast police and following on from the successful arrests in March, there has only been one report of a residential burglary so far in April.
“A large number of residential burglaries are opportunistic and continue to occur via unlocked windows and doors.
“We would therefore encourage home owners to review their security to protect their homes and outbuildings.
“Recently, Neighbourhood Police in south Belfast launched its ‘Burglar? Don’t Bother’ campaign.
“This campaign involves officers visiting homes across south Belfast, encouraging residents to lock up, store valuables securely and carry out traceable property marking.
“We are committed to working with local communities and Police and Community Safety Partnerships (PCSP) in a bid to reduce incidents and keep people safe. We rely, of course, upon members of the public getting in touch. If you have been a victim of burglary, or indeed any crime, it’s important that you tell us.
"To find out more about protecting your home and property visit www.psni.police.uk/BurglarDontBother
"A report to police can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport or alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org."
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