Wednesday, October 26, 2011

‘Light the night’ at library (Hartlepool)

RESIDENTS will be urged to “light up the night” during a crime prevention session in a library.
With the longer nights drawing in and the clocks set to go back, crime prevention officers in Hartlepool are urging householders to think about security.
They say the dark is welcoming for criminals who can sneak around without being seen. But there are simple steps that can be taken to make their task harder.
A Light the Night Against Crime event is being held at Hartlepool’s Central Library, in York Road, where residents can get free advice and also buy discounted light timers and night lights.
PC Steve Cranston, a crime prevention officer, will be among the advisors at the event between 11am-1pm on Thursday.
PC Cranston said: “By constantly reiterating the message to residents about ways in which they can prevent themselves from becoming a victim of crime we ensure that we can stay one step ahead of the criminals.
“I would urge residents to spend some time with us at the library and take advantage of the advice we have to offer.” he added.
Householders are urged to use timer switches or to leave lights on if their home is unoccupied to reduce burglaries throughout the winter months.
Lights with sensors on the outside of houses, sheds and garages are said to be a good deterrent.
Officers are also encouraging householders to fit key-operated window locks to windows that are easily accessible and to keep doors locked when they are inside, but keep keys in a safe place in case of an emergency.
Mortice bolts at the top and bottom of any external doors are also advised and people are reminded to always set burglar alarms overnight.
Although crime continues to fall, Hartlepool Police, working in conjunction with Hartlepool Crime Prevention Panel, say they want to ensure it stays that way and to raise awareness of home security.

(Reproduced from Hartlepool Mail  26th Oct 2011)

Gardien Comment:  The easy way into most properties is via the garden, and the shed is then the number one target, if only to find tools to break into the house. See the article on Shed Security at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/shed-security-print.htm

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