Community police officers are taking to Dagenham streets to offer advice on keeping homes safe after a rise in burglaries.

PCSOs Mark Levett and Tracy Lord from Alibon Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) spent around an hour in Alibon Road last Thursday afternoon talking to residents about how best to prevent burglaries.

The street briefing was the first of many planned for the ward over coming months.

He added: “There’s been a notable increase in burglaries recently, so our team felt it would be a good idea to regularly go out and give prevention advice.

“For example, it’s often homes with PVC doors that are burgled as people think it’s enough to just pull up the handle to lock the door.

“But burglars can put their hand or a tool through the letter box and push the handle down to get in. We’re encouraging residents to double lock the door.”

PCSO Lord said being on the streets gives residents who might not go to the SNT base a chance to talk to officers.

“For some people it’s easier and more convenient to approach us in the street,” she said.

Angela West, of Reede Road, welcomed the officers’ presence. She said: “I think it’s good they’re out and about and we can talk to them if we want to. They act as a crime deterrent at the same time which is great.”

For more information on burglary prevention call 020 8721 2511 or visit 2 Station Parade, Heathway.

Officers can also visit homes to offer advice and answer any questions.