Police are asking residents to consider how secure their cat and dog flaps are, after a house in South Road, South Ockendon was burgled through a large animal flap.
Between 10.30pm on Friday, July 2 and 6.30am the next day, suspects gained entry through a large cat or dog flap and took an estimated £160 worth of items, including a purse and £50 cash.
Crime reduction officer for Thurrock, Alan Twine, said: “Cat or dog flaps can act as large letter boxes, and thieves may be able to reach and get keys to let themselves in or get through the actual flap themselves.
“It is important to leave all keys in a safe place after you have fully locked the door, keeping them out of sight of all windows and doors and keeping them in a hidden place that only family members can access. It is important to do the same with car keys, as thieves will sometimes break into the house with the intention to take the keys and the car outside.
“Consider upgrading your current cat flap to a more secure one, or if you have moved into a house which has one installed and you do not need it, get it removed and secured as soon as possible.”
If you would like further crime prevention advice, contact your local crime reduction officer on 0300 333 4444.
