Be Safe And Secure As Winter Approaches

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Be Safe And Secure As Winter Approaches

Cotswold District Council and Gloucestershire Police have teamed up to issue a winter warning to residents to be wary of thieves during the darker nights.

The clocks go back by an hour on October 26th, which presents an easier opportunity for thieves to spot which homes are empty, and strike before owners get home from work in the evening.

And although the Police report that the chance of becoming a victim of house burglary in the Cotswold District is comparatively low, householders can keep it that way by taking sensible precautions.

To help you stay safe, the Council�s Community Safety Team, in partnership with Gloucestershire Police, has a few handy hints to prevent your autumn being ruined by a break-in.

These include investing in an exterior security light, or a time switch that ensures your home is lit up at a certain time each evening. Practical tips such as fitting extra locks on doors and windows also acts as a powerful deterrent to thieves.

PC Mark Godsland, Crime Prevention Design Advisor for the Cotswolds, said: "The change in the hour as winter approaches always coincides with a rise in the number of house and shed burglaries being reported.

"Yet just a few simple precautions can drastically reduce householder�s chances of becoming a victim. Burglars are always on the lookout for an easy target.

"If a house appears occupied, thieves are more likely to move on until they find one in darkness and householders should take this chance before winter to step back and review their home security.�

Cllr Clive Bennett, Cotswold District Council�s portfolio holder for Safe and Strong Communities, added people should also try and stay safe when they leave their homes in the winter: He said: �The onset of the longer, darker evenings is an ideal time for people to ensure they take proper precautions when they are both in the home and out.

�Although crime figures are low, we want everybody to be as safe as possible, so take sensible precautions when going out, wear light-coloured clothing, and carry a torch in poorly-lit areas.�

Anyone who would like any advice or information on security issues should contact Cotswold District Council�s Community Safety Team on 01285 623000, or the non-emergency number at Gloucestershire Police, 0845 090 1234.


Posted : 07/10/2008 19:33:56

PLEASE NOTE: This story has been archived and the information contained within it may no longer be correct.


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