Crime Reduction Advice For Home Owners At this time of year when many people are beginning to think about their summer holiday, here are a few simple reminders of the types of things that we should be considering before leaving home. Always lock the door and close the windows when you leave your home - even if you are going out just for a short time. Fit key operated window locks and five lever mortice deadlocks on doors. Use timers for lights and radios if you are away from home overnight. Let neighbours know when you are away and get friends to check on your home so that post is removed from view. Remember making your home look as if you are in greatly reduces the chance of being burgled. Visible burglar alarms and exterior lighting deters burglars. High fencing may make your house more secure but it also provides a cover for burglars. Consider planting prickly shrubs or chain link fencing. Loose decorative chippings for paths and drives allow visitors to be heard. Remember, burglars don't like to be seen or heard. Secure outbuildings or sheds. Contents like lawn mowers and power tools are attractive to burglars. Items such as ladders and garden tools can also be used to gain entry into your home. Use a UV pen to write your postcode and house number or name on articles such as TVs, DVD Players, Cameras etc and consider registering them on www.immobilise.com Learn more about crime reduction at: www.crimereduction.gov.uk | 
