Make sure all of your doors and windows are very secure – two locks on all perimeter doors are advised, and window locks should be functioning. Ensure your doors and window frames are in a good condition. If possible invest in an alarm system. Motion sensor security lights are also a good deterrent to would be burglars.

If you are going away ask a trusted neighbour or friend to open the curtains in the mornings and shut them in the evenings – (don’t give any clues to would be criminals, just shutting your curtains half way across is not a good alternative really), cancel your milk delivery, and tell your helper to remove post that may be piling up and visible from your letterbox. Invest in timer switches that can put on lights, or a radio at intervals.

Never leave ladders or tools laying around in your garden - these can be used by criminals to help break into your property – place them in a securely locked shed.

Take photographs of all valuable items in case they are recovered, also note down any serial numbers that may be on goods (like electronic goods) in case of recovery. UV marker pens can also be used to mark items. Your local NHW coordinator, PCSO Julie West or PCSO Dennis Dowle can get you a range of crime prevention leaflets for if you require advice.

Contact PCSO Julie West on 0845 60 70 999 ext 63226 or PCSO Dennis Dowle on 0845 60 70 999 ext 21893.