As spring approaches and we’re tempted to get out into the garden and tidy up in preparation for spring, I would like to share with you the fate of a customer who called us recently.

She was out in the garden and as many of us would do, had her back door unlocked and was outside for about an hour. When she returned inside for a cup of tea and a break, she noticed that many of their belongings had been disturbed, and upon closer inspection of the property, the reality of what had happened dawned on her. She had been burgled while she was in the garden!!

The possible scenarios of this situation are really quite frightening.

The intruder damaged a window to escape, as he must have realised there was someone out the back and was, luckily, picked up by the police the same afternoon with two poly bags full of valuables.

I know we all think it can’t happen to us, but just take a few extra seconds to grab your keys and lock the door if you are out in the garden, washing the car etc. Even when you are inside, especially if you are home alone.

You might think that this happened in Edinburgh but it was actually in Selkirk, a quiet little town in the Scottish Borders so it can happen anywhere.

Most burglars are opportunists and can be in and out within minutes, they are desperate and have no concsience.

Doug Lark