Return of dark nights prompts security check

People are being urged to check their home security to keep their families and possessions safe as the dark nights return.

N o v e m b e r i s N at i o n a l Home Security Month and the Crimestoppers charity revealed there has been a 26.8% increase in burglary reports over the last four years to March 2020.

Crimestoppers’ regional manager, Ruth McNee said: “It’s estimated there’s a burglary every 40 seconds, so being aware of and updating your home security is essential. Being burgled can be very upsetting and unsettling as it can be very traumatic to lose valuables and personal possessions.

"We’re pleased to be able to be supporting National Home

Security Month and help raise awareness around the importance of home security.”

Advice includes checking door and window locks and never leave them unlocked – even when you are in the house.

People are also being urged to consider installing CCTV after a survey of former offenders revealed this is the number one deter a potential burglar.

Other advice include making sure wheelie bins or ladders are moved away from any locked gates, windows or flat roofs and don’t leave valuables near a window where they can be seen from outside.

Jewellery, laptops, smartphones, watches, car keys, money are all potential targets for opportunist thieves.

People are also being advised not to advertise they are away from their home on social media and consider using timing devices to turn on lights while you ae out. Fo r m o re i n fo r m at i o n o n home security, go to www. crimestoppers-uk.org and the National Home Security Month campaign at www. homesecuritymonth.com

People are being urged to check their home security.