National Burglary Day Of Action In Gloucester
Thursday April 9, 2009
As part of the National Burglary Day of Action on Tuesday April 7, shoppers in Gloucester were offered crime prevention advice to help them keep burglars out of their homes.
Crime reduction officers, members of the Gloucester Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) and members of the neighbourhood watch joined officers from the Gloucester City Safer Community Team (SCT) at Kings Walk to hold a shed security display.
Members of the public were offered advice on all aspects of home security and crime prevention. Shed alarms were available to purchase on the day.
A similar event was also held at the Co-op in Coleford.
As part of the National Burglary Day of Action, the Home Office are offering a free burglary advice pack with simple practical advice on how to prevent becoming a victim of burglary.
The packs, which also include discount vouchers for home security products from B&Q and Focus, are available free of charge by calling 0800 456 1213, faxing 0870 241 4786 or emailing homeoffice@prolog.uk.com
PC Kevin Ireland, Crime Reduction Officer for Gloucester, said: "Home owners in Gloucester should follow simple advice to reduce their risk of becoming the victim of crime."
Lighting - Good lighting is an excellent way to deter a thief, with some exterior lights having sensors that switch the light on for a short time when it detects something in its range. Timed lights, both internal and external also give the impression there is someone at home.
Alarms - Visible burglar alarms always make a burglar think twice.
Windows and doors - Always secure the most vulnerable windows first, particularly ground floor windows, windows that cannot be seen from the street and those that can be reached via drainpipes or a flat roof.
Boundaries - A high wall or fence at the back of your property can put of a burglar. Make sure the front of your house is visible so a thief cannot work unseen, although a thorny hedge along a boundary makes a useful deterrent.
Outbuildings - Never leave a garage, shed or outbuilding unlocked.