‘While you’re out shopping, so are they’ is the warning being issued by Ards and North Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) as part of its seasonal burglary prevention campaign.
Along with other advice it has provided, the partnership is reminding residents to lock their doors and windows to prevent their home being broken into over Christmas.
As the campaign suggests, homes are more likely to be left unattended while people are out doing their Christmas shopping, celebrating at parties or visiting relatives or friends during the festive period. At the same time, they are more likely to contain a higher value of contents in the form of gifts ready to be unwrapped on Christmas Day, including gadgets and jewellery which can be easily pocketed. Thieves often take advantage of this, with burglaries increasing significantly in December.
The Chairperson of Ards and North Down PCSP, Councillor Trevor Cummings, is urging residents to be vigilant about making sure that their home is secure. He said: “With all the excitement of the Christmas period, it is easy to become a bit lax with home security, yet it is the very time when you need to be the most careful.
“With the darker nights providing cover and many people out at Christmas parties not returning home until late at night, it can provide the perfect opportunity for thieves to slip into houses unnoticed. I would advise all residents to follow our tips for keeping their home secure in order to avoid being a victim of theft this Christmas.”
The PCSP has provided the following advice on keeping your home safe at Christmas:
* Leave lights or a radio on when you go out. * Check that all doors and windows are properly closed and locked. * Don’t leave side gates open and make sure they’re secure. * Don’t leave accessible windows open at night. * Keep ladders out of sight. * Break up packaging for electrical goods (TVs, laptops etc) and put it all in your recycling box. Leaving it outside will alert a burglar to your new purchase.
For further information contact the PCSP in Ards and North Down on 0300 013 3333.
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