When out at Night Leave on a Light!

Opportunistic thieves prefer to work when they are hidden by the darkness so most burglaries

occur at night. This means it’s no surprise that the number of burglaries increases as the nights

get longer during the autumn and winter months.

By making sure all your doors and windows are always locked, leaving lights and/or televisions

on to make your home look occupied when it’s not, we can begin to reduce the number of

burglaries. Please take the time to read out five top tips below to help tackle this increasing

number of burglaries.

Top 5 tips to make your home more secure during the winter months

1. Burglars are less likely to target a home that looks occupied. Use a timer to switch lights on when you’re away.
2. Close your curtains and blinds so burglars can’t see your valuables through your windows.
3. Lock your sheds and outbuildings – and an outside light can blow the cover of darkness for a would-be thief.
4. Carry out a general security check. It takes no more than two minutes to lock your windows and doors.
5. Dispose of your empty boxes carefully do not leave them outside and advertise to the burglars your new TVs and expensive gadgets.

You can purchase crime prevention items from our reception at Stroud Police Station, Light

timers £2.20, Shed Alarms £8.00 and Smartwater £10.50 are just a few of the popular items that

we sell. Smartwater is a good way of marking your property with a unique code to you and

makes reuniting you with your property easier and thieves don’t like it.

Have you also thought about joining a local Neighbourhood Watch group?

Essentially it concerns crime prevention but, just as importantly, it involves neighbours working together as a community to make their area a safer place.  This in turn instils a sense of security amongst residents, knowing their homes and other property are being cared for by their neighbours.

This, and an improved social contact,  are the hallmarks of a successful Watch.

Please Contact PCSO 9081 Liz Ward if you need any advice

Stroud Police Station

elizabeth.ward @gloucestershire.pnn.police.uk

Phone 101 non-emergency

Eastington’s Local representative is:

 PCSO 9081 Liz Ward Stroud Police Station

elizabeth.ward@gloucestershire.pnn.police.uk