Councillor Boyle said: "I don't wish to scaremonger, however, from the latest reports that I have been getting from the PSNI in Derry it is evident that there has been a considerable increase in break-ins and creeper style burglaries throughout the city.
"Of late there has been a very significant spike in burglaries and attempted burglaries in the Foyle Springs, Glenn Road, Hazelbank, Ballymagroarty and Creggan Road areas and I urge people living in those areas in particular to take extra measures to protect themselves and their property.
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"People need to pay just a little bit more attention to their own personal security and take what are, in effect, very simple precautions to prevent becoming victims of crime. I think the message is quite clear. It can happen to anybody and none of us should be complacent.
"Simple precautions like locking all doors and windows, whether at home or not, and securing valuables out of sight will go some way towards beating the thieves. In one recent creeper burglary thieves gained access through a back door and took a handbag and car keys while the occupants were watching television.
"For example, taking your car keys to bed with you at night instead of leaving them in plain sight on a hall table, in the back of a door or elsewhere can ensure that your vehicle is still outside in the morning."
(CD)
