Police issue warning after 'spate' of burglaries

Guernsey Police have issued warnings following a "recent spike in residential and commercial burglaries".

A spokesperson said people should not leave property unlocked, especially when they were not in, and that burglaries did not just happen after dark.

Other tips offered include: keeping valuables out of sight, avoiding leaving spare keys in obvious places; and securing sheds, garages and garden gates.

The force also advised businesses that criminals visited "posing as customers to identify weaknesses" and suggested reviewing security measures regularly, checking that security equipment was working and make sure staff knew procedures to ensure "nothing is left vulnerable".

Officers also advised people who were going to be away from home for longer periods that they should ask any trusted neighbour to keep an eye out.

The force said it recorded 80 burglaries in 2024 and 73 the previous year.

Officers said smart doorbells and CCTV equipment could can be a useful deterrent.

People could also book an assessment with a crime reduction advisor to highlight any areas where security could be strengthened, they added.

Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.