December 10, 2012 4.46 pm This story is over 141 months old

Council securing empty homes after burglaries

Securing properties: City Council installing alarms on empty homes after burglars break in and steal boilers.

Alarm systems are being installed at a number of vacant council-owned homes following a spate of burglaries.

The City of Lincoln Council is adding the alarms to void properties — homes which have been vacated, but have not yet been taken over by a new tenant.

The measures were taken after three empty properties were broken into recently, with thieves removing boilers from two of them.

Alison Timmins, City Council Strategic Housing Manager, said: “We are in the process of installing alarms on our empty properties following these latest break-ins.

“We have been dealing with the police on the matter and will look at extra security measures, such as CCTV cameras if necessary.

“This is a problem that seems to occur during the winter months so we are taking measures to stop these houses being targeted.

“We will be prosecuting anyone caught stealing from these properties, which can lead to a custodial sentence.”

The break ins and theft of boilers could result in a delay in moving the new tenants into the properties, which is a scenario the council is hoping to avoid.

People with information on these burglaries are urged to contact Lincolnshire Police.