With Christmas approaching next month, local police are reminding everyone to take some simple steps to ensure you don’t make your home a target for opportunistic thieves.
Detective Inspector Debbie Eakin explained: “By taking a few simple steps, you can help ensure you don’t become a victim of burglary in the run-up to Christmas. Up to 50% of break-ins are through open doors or windows so please remember to ‘Close It, Lock It and Check It’. Don’t make life too easy for criminals. Leaving doors and windows open and leaving gifts and other valuables in easy reach is too great a temptation for criminals to resist. Always be mindful of your security and take appropriate crime prevention measures.
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Keep an eye on your security and your property – burglars will be active over the Christmas period.[/caption]
“For homeowners who will be spending hard earned cash buying gifts to make this an extra special festive season, the message is simple – do not leave valuables on view. Criminals are well aware that houses will be laden with presents and electrical goods at this time of the year so it is important to keep these items well out of sight and properly concealed.
“All valuables should be indelibly marked with the house number and post code so that items will be more difficult to sell if stolen and easier to identify if stolen and later recovered.
“If you are going on holiday over the festive season, please remember not to leave rubbish bins out. Do your best to give your property that lived in look by making use of timer switches to turn on lights that would normally be on when you are at home. And remember to close and lock all windows and doors, set intruder alarms, and give consideration to exterior lighting as well.
“Ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your house whilst you are away. Ask them to take the occasional walk round your house and check that everything is secure, and keep an eye out for any suspicious activity.
“For further crime prevention advice, please contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team or Crime Prevention officer on 101 or visit the PSNI website at:
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