Keep Your Home Safe This Christmas

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Local Policeman Mick's seasonal advice

Police Sergeant Mick MacDonald of Parsons Green and Walham Safer Neighbourhoods Team's seasonal message to local residents includes tips on keeping your home safe during the Christmas holidays.

Mick says: " The festive season is fast approaching and it is time for my Christmas crime prevention reminder.

" Since April 1 the ward has suffered a total of 47 residential burglaries. Last year by this time we had suffered 76 and in 2007 we had 68.

" Much of this is down to improved home security measures such as window locks and door strengthening. However, complacency is the friend of the criminal and together we should continue to limit their opportunities. "

What are burglars looking for? Mick offers these pointers:

* Properties where it is clear nobody is at home, with little or no security.

* Open side gates, windows left open or unlocked, ladders and garden tools left out.

* High hedges or fences to shield them from view.

How can you deter them?

* Fit proper locks on doors and windows...............and use them!

* Install timer units to switch on lights and radios at irregular intervals.

* If you go out after dark close the curtains/blinds and leave a light on.

* Keep valuables out of sight (nothing warms the heart of a burglar more than the sight of beautifully wrapped Christmas presents under the tree).

Are you away over Christmas?

* Double check that you have locked all windows and doors.

* Set the alarm if you have one.

* Ask a friend or neighbour to keep an eye on your home, and ensure that no pile up of mail is visible.

Mick adds: " To stop a burglar you need to think like one. To a burglar a dark house is an empty house. Attaching a timer to a lamp will make your home appear occupied even if it isn't.

" If your home is in darkness in a street where other properties are lit up, ask yourself which is the most likely target?

" Don't let it be yours! "

Mick adds: " May I take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and happy Christmas from the Parsons Green & Walham Safer Neighbourhoods team, however you celebrate it."

December 18, 2009