Deter burglars on New Year’s Eve

Deter burglars on New Year’s Eve

Residents are being urged to secure their homes to deter burglars who target empty properties on New Year’s Eve.

To reduce your chances of having a miserable start to the New Year, lock all external doors and windows, activate the burglar alarm if you have one and use timer switches on lights and radios to make your house look occupied.

Keep Christmas packaging out of sight until the next bin collection, or to dispose of it at the nearest tip, as leaving it outside your home tells thieves what is inside.

Police recommend registering all valuables for free at www.immobilise.com – almost any item with a serial number that is recovered by police can be returned to the owner if it is registered on the database.

Darron Tickle, crime reduction specialist for Greater Manchester Police, said: “Burglars expect people to be more relaxed and less cautious during the holiday season and take advantage of homes being empty as people see in the New Year with friends and family. Residents can do their bit by following our crime prevention advice to make sure they don’t play host to any unwelcome visitors.”

For non-emergency calls or to report a crime call police on 101.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity that will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

Use 999 only in emergencies where there is a threat to life or property or a crime in progress.