Published: 16 February 2012
by TOM FOOT

IT is the day of the year when star-crossed lovers celebrate their relationships by stepping out for a candle-lit meal or a drink down the pub.

But Valentine’s Day does not appeal exclusively to the old romantics of Camden.

Burglars saw a window of opportunity on Tuesday night breaking into “several” homes in Highgate between 8pm and 10.30pm.

Police believe the spate of crimes may be linked to Valentine’s Day.

Cllr Maya de Souza, Green councillor for Highgate ward, had her home broken into on Tuesday while she was out with her husband in Kentish Town.

She said: “It’s Valentine’s and it’s the night when everyone’s out.

“We were told there were three or four just in Dartmouth Park – and I think another on my street.

“They had levered open the window and climbed in.

I think they had left in quite a hurry but they took the laptop and some other things.

“The police said it was fairly professional – they used a crowbar to lever up the sash lock.

“It has been a lesson on how to secure your windows and about putting proper passwords on your computer.”

Cllr de Souza had been at a Camden Green Party meeting that night before popping down to the Lion and Unicorn with her husband before the couple cycled home.

She added: “It’s not a disaster but it did make me wonder whether crime is getting worse.

As we get more unemployment we get a higher risk of crime.”

Camden police were unavailable for comment but confirmed there had been “several reports” of burglaries and attempted burglaries in Highgate that night.