Local police want people to ‘Lighten Up!’

Now that the dark nights are here, the police are urging you to ‘Lighten Up!’ if you want to reduce your chances of being burgled over the autumn and winter months.

Less than one per cent of homes in Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Worcestershire are burgled every year – but unlit houses which appear to be empty can be a target for thieves.

West Mercia Police has recently launched its ‘Lighten Up!’ campaign, which aims to give local people home security advice.

Inspector Rob Thomas said:

“Most burglaries are carried out by opportunistic thieves, but a few simple precautions can significantly lower the risk of your home and outbuildings being burgled.”

• A well-lit home gives the impression that someone is at home
• User timer switches to turn lights on while you are out
• Save energy and money with low-energy or dusk to dawn sensor bulbs.  A low-energy light bulb costs less than 2p per day to run (if left on for four hours)
• Invest in external lighting
• Lock windows and doors and keep gates well secured
• Property mark your valuables and make the details viewable to the police by registering them on Immobilise – www.immobilise.com. 

“The south Shropshire area is a low crime area.  Communities are willing to look after their neighbours and help each other out.  If you know of someone that may need assistance please continue to look out for them.  If a friend or neighbour does not have access to the Internet to register property online, then help them through the process.  It is an excellent way of identifying your property should it be stolen.  Police have access to the information and it operates nationally.  Invisible protective markers, that have microdots within a liquid that can be applied to any valuable item without harm, are also another good way to defeat criminals. ” 

Further home security advice is available on www.westmercia.police.uk 

In addition to the ‘Lighten Up!’ campaign, the South Shropshire Community Safety Tasking Group, chaired by Insp Thomas, are also working on an initiative to encourage vehicle owners to keep valuables out of sight including Christmas presents, computers, phones and Sat Nav devices.  Informational flyers will be placed on vehicles in the car parks in Ludlow over the coming weeks. 

Councillor Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member, said:

“Shropshire is one of the safest places to live and work in the country, and we can all help to keep it that way by making our homes as secure as possible.”

For further information on the South Shropshire Community Safety Tasking Group please contact Lisa Bedford lisa.bedford@shropshire.gov.uk or 07582 002010.