I have been advised by our local police of a number of incidents in South Oxfordshire in recent weeks whereby “persons unknown” have been trying front and back doors to see whether locked or unlocked with a view to making unlawful entry – burglary is the obvious intention. The experience of an owner who is at home with the door unlocked being confronted by a complete stranger on the front door-mat is obviously somewhat unnerving to say the least.

One such incident arose in Dorchester at around 10pm a few nights ago, and the police are urging all residents to ensure that their properties are locked and secure, not only when absent but generally.

Richard Winslet
Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for Dorchester