JUST because the festive season is over it doesn’t mean that people should relax about security in the home.
This is the message from Cheshire Police who are anxious to flag up the face that criminals are well aware that many homes will have expensive new additions in the way of electrical items, jewellery, bicycles, tablets and mobile phones.
A police spokesman said: “It’s a good idea to think about what you have done with that leftover packaging. Is there a telltale sign of expensive new items in your home? Have you got packaging or empty boxes from new TV’s, computers or other items outside your home which might give criminals a clue as to what is inside your property?
“Make sure that your home is not a target for criminals by getting rid of any large amounts of packaging. If it won’t go in your bin, take it straight to a local household waste recycling centre and dispose of it there.”
Police warn that expensive items should not left in full view through windows.
They should be protectively marked using ultra violet pens or indelible liquids. Marking property with a postcode will help get it back as well as deter thieves.
Home should be made secure at night or when unoccupied and windows and doors should be locked. Lights should be left on when homes are unoccupied.
Security lighting and alarms should be switched on – and sheds or outbuildings should be made secure.
Expensive jewellery or gold items should be locked in a good quality safe which is secured to a solid wall or floor.
Residents can also help by being aware of people actin suspiciously. They could be checking for properties which are empty.
Superintendent Martin Cleworth said: “It’s not about being paranoid and covering up everything you own whenever you leave the room. We just want people to think about general security and lowering the risk of becoming a victim of crime whenever possible.”
For more advice visit the Cheshire Police website. http://www.cheshire.police.uk/news–appeals/latest-news/2014/11/cheshire-police-launch-operati.aspx)
Anyone with any concerns about someone acting suspiciously or who has any information regarding criminal behaviour should call the police on 101 or the Crimestoppers anonymous hotline on 0800 555 111.
In an emergency always call 999.
Police warning: Don't relax over security
00 Comments
Share.
About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
