Spring clean your home security

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Greater Manchester Police is encouraging people to make security improvements to their homes and gardens this spring.

Although burglary is on the decrease the force say making a few improvements could bring it down even further.

The latest figures show there were 9.4 per cent fewer burglaries in Greater Manchester in the 12 months to the end of February this year compared to the same period last year equating to almost 2,000 fewer victims.

By making a few improvements to home, garage, shed and garden security people can greatly reduce their chances of losing valuables to heartless thieves and save themselves from the pain of this distressing crime.

The top three deterrents to burglars are alarms, locks and lights.

Residents are advised to fit a quality household alarm that protects all external doors and downstairs rooms and to be sure to set it when leaving the home empty or retiring for the night.

Mortise locks on external doors and window locks help to keep burglars out but only if doors and windows are kept shut and locked even when you are in. Police say that around one in three burglaries are down to thieves entering through insecure doors and windows and just walking out with valuables.

External security lighting will also help keep burglars at bay as will planting prickly borders on the edge of your property making it difficult for intruders to climb over walls and fences.

Garages and sheds can also be targeted by thieves and often contain hundreds of pounds worth of tools and bikes yet are only protected with a cheap padlock. Fitting a quality hasp and staple secured with a stout padlock will help keep them safe from criminals.

Detective Superintendent Mark Bell who leads on Operation Storm, Greater Manchester Police’s fight against burglars, robbers and thieves said: “We are very aware that for most people their home is their pride and joy, the place that they value most and feel safest.

“Over the last year we have worked hard to keep homes safe from burglars by targeting offenders in their own homes, on the streets and in their communities. Criminals and law-abiding citizens can be assured that we will be keeping up this level of enforcement activity in the coming year.

“Householders can help us by installing and using alarms, locks and security lights to keep burglars out of their homes and their possessions safe. They can also help by reporting suspicious behaviour to us either directly on 0161 872 5050 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."