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DARKER NIGHTS ARE HERE
DON’T ADVERTISE YOUR HOME TO THIEVES
At the request of Cheshire Constabulary, Barrow Parish Council is publishing this advice:
Now that the clocks have gone back for the winter and with darkness descending earlier in the day, residents are being encouraged to play their part by switching on to some simple crime prevention tactics.
Leaving your house in total darkness is a sign no one’s at home and an invitation to burglars.
Burglars look for quick win opportunities; they do not want to run the risk of a confrontation, so simply leaving a light on to give the impression someone is at home is often enough to deter them.
Timer switches can also be fitted to operate radios and lights if you are not back from work until after dark, or if you’re away for a few days.
Leaving a light on costs literally pence in electricity – and that pales into insignificance compared to the hundreds of pounds in insurance excess you might have to pay should your home be broken in to.
A high proportion of all break-ins are because of properties being left insecure, so checking all windows and doors are locked before leaving the house is crucial.
Other home security essentials are to use your burglar alarm if you have one – it’s amazing how many households don’t bother – and also, never leave a spare key under the doormat or a flowerpot. Burglars will always look there first, so it’s not much of a hiding place!
To find out more about crime prevention advice and home security call the local Neighbourhood Police Team on 0845 458 0000 or email western.watch@cheshire.pnn.police.uk
If you wish to pass on information via an independent anonymous source call “Crime Stoppers” on 0800 555 111 or email to www.crimestoppers-uk.org