Police light up the community

Greater Manchester Police will be giving out 24,000 energy saving light bulbs to householders across the county this month in a bid to protect homes from burglars.

The crime fighting initiative is backed by energy giants E-on who are providing the free light bulbs to help people save energy and ultimately reduce carbon emissions.

At least half the light bulbs will be given to householders in receipt of benefits with a maximum of two bulbs being allocated to each household.

They will be encouraged to use the bulbs in external lighting and hallways to deter burglars. The low energy bulbs will also allow people to leave lights on when they are out or overnight in vulnerable locations while keeping energy costs down.

Neighbourhood Policing officers will be distributing the bulbs and will also use the opportunity to advise people on how to keep themselves and their property safe.

Detective Chief Inspector Dean Fraser from Greater Manchester Police said: “External security lighting and leaving a light on in the home when you go out can greatly reduce your chances of falling prey to burglars. This partnership initiative will help people to safeguard their homes while keeping energy costs and carbon footprints down.

“Through Operation Guardian we have been tackling burglary on a number of different levels that include targeting known offenders through covert surveillance, warrants and curfew and bail condition checks. Neighbourhood Policing teams have also been busy providing high visibility patrols in hotspot areas and helping people to take measures that will decrease their chances of being burgled.

“These measures include shutting and locking all external doors and windows whether you are at home or not, and fitting and using a burglar alarm. Using these lights on a timer switch can also leave burglars guessing on whether your home is occupied or not.

“We are committed to reducing burglaries and urge people to follow the simple advice here to keep burglars out in the cold.”