@ALL - LIGHTEN UP CAMPAIGN - Make your home safer with lights

PRESS RELEASE

 

Lighten Up Your Home To Avoid Becoming A Victim Of Burglary

 

Warwickshire Police is encouraging residents to take a few simple steps to keep their homes safe and secure, particularly during the darker months.

 

The message comes from Warwickshire Police as part of its ‘Lighten up’ campaign, which reminds people that their home is less likely to be burgled if it appears occupied.

 

Overall numbers of burglaries in Warwickshire decreased by 6% in the period 2012-2013, and year to date figures for 2014 show a further decrease of 35% compared to the same period last year (April to September 2013), however over the last five years a peak in burglaries has been observed in October and November. 

 

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Judge, Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police burglary lead said: “With the clocks going back this Sunday (26^th October 2014), and the onset of dark nights, unlit houses can be a target for thieves.

 

“You can significantly reduce the chance of becoming burgled by taking a few simple precautions, especially at this time of year when we observe a peak in house burglaries. Most house break-ins are opportunistic, so don’t give thieves an opportunity.”

 

The ‘Lighten up’ top security tips are:

 

• A well-lit home gives the impression someone is in
• Use timer switches to turn lights on when you are out
• Save energy and money with low-energy light bulbs
• Lock windows and doors and keep gates and side entrances well secured
• Don’t leave car keys or valuables near windows, doors or letterboxes, where burglars can reach through to steal them
• Invest in external lighting

 

People are also urged to property mark valuables and make the details viewable to the police by registering them on Immobilise: www.immobilise.com. Belongings can be registered for free and it improves the chance of getting them back if they are lost or stolen.

 

Further home security advice is available on the force website: http://onlinenews.warwickshire.police.uk/general_info/burglaries

 

You can support the campaign by using #beattheburglar

 

Kind regards

 

Katrina

 

PCSO 6099 Katrina Taylor

Telephone 01926 684984

Mobile 07919 887674

Voicemail 16099

Email katrina.taylor@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk

 

Please access our website www.safer-neighbourhoods.co.uk for the latest news in the Stratford District and also Southam SNT newsletters. In a non emergency or to report a crime dial 101