An early morning sleep is sweet. It becomes even sweeter when it rains. However, if you must enjoy it this rainy season without dire consequences, you should first step up your home security. Failure to secure your home may make you fall victim to burlars now roaming the city.

Police have recorded an increase in burglary cases since the beginning of this rainy season and have warned the public to take precautions.

“Burglary now tops our crime list. The burglars take advantage of the early morning rains to break into peoples’ homes,” said Oyo Nyeko, the regional Police commander for Kampala Extra.

Nyeko added that the burglars know that when it is raining and in the wee hours of the morning, not so many people are awake or moving on the roads. Even security guards tend to take cover indoors. So, there is little chance of the thugs being detected.

In addition, the noise caused by the rains and the accompanying winds make it difficult for house occupants to detect breaking-ins by thugs. Even where it rains during day, the associated uncomfortable and cold weather, propel people to sleep early and sometimes deeply. And during their sleep, they may not easily hear the burglars’ tempering into their houses.

During this rainy season, there is need to keep your houses secure. You can improve your home security by improving the strength of your doors, fitting them with burglar proofing, or with stronger locks.

You can also add a metal chain to lock your door because on top of added security, it also makes a warning noise in case burglars break in. “It is also important to improve the security lighting around your home at night. This is affordable and useful because it discourages burglars”, Nyeko said.

Vehicles, which are in the open, face the wrath of thugs, who usually vandalise them when it rains. Vehicles should be packed in garages, parking yards, or be fitted with alarm systems to repel thieves.

Nyeko said the police have started operations to arrest those who loiter at night under suspicious circumstances. He added that day-time and evening security operations have started to rid the city of idlers and potential criminals.

“You don’t start preparing for Christmas on December 24. We have started operations so that people can have a safe festive season. With increased businesses during this season, thugs may want to terrorise residents. We want to avert that,” Nyeko said.

When it rains in the night, you need to treat every noise with suspicion.

In case of danger, call the police on Tel. No. 999 on fixed telephones or 112 on mobile phones. But remember, your own security starts with you.