Lighter nights should not mean lighter security

Lighter nights should not mean lighter security

Police are warning residents to keep their home security tight as the lighter nights and the warmer summer months approach.

It is as important as ever to make sure that your home isn’t a target for light fingered thieves.

Latest figures show that one in three burglaries still happen to homes that are insecure, so police are issuing the following simple security tips for homeowners to keep their home off the burglar’s radar.

Although it will be tempting to leave doors and windows open during the warmer months it is important to keep only the vents in the room that you are in open and to leave all other windows and doors locked.

Use mortise locks on external doors and consider using split spindle locks on front doors. Alarms and lights used in the right way can be a huge deterrent to burglars looking to target properties that have easy access.

Police recommend using a quality household alarm that protects all external doors and downstairs rooms and should be used when leaving the house and going to bed.

Light timers should also be used when leaving your house for an extended period of time or when going on holiday.

External security lighting, shed alarms, window shock alarms and door chimes can be used as an extra deterrent, details on how to use these devices can be seen on GMP’s 60-second security videos.

Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan, GMP’s lead on tackling burglars said: “Burglary remains an absolute priority for GMP, but we need the help of residents to tackle the issue and make life as difficult as possible for opportunist thieves.

“People should feel safe in their own homes, there are number of simple security steps that homeowners can follow to deter would-be thieves and people are urged to work with the police to report any suspicious activity to help protect their property and others in the community.”

Suspicious behaviour should be immediately reported - 101 OR 0800 555 111 (Crimestoppers) or 999 if you see a crime taking place.