Make your home as safe as houses

Making sure an empty house is secure isn’t always at the top of people’s holiday priority lists but the county council has some easy tips to help residents to do this.

The council’s Community Safety Team, with other local services including the police, are reminding those going away overnight, or for an extended period about a few small things they can do to keep thieves away from their property.

It’s important to make a home look like someone is living in it. The team suggest having a trusted neighbour to visit on a regular basis and do things like drawing the curtains at the appropriate times and removing post from view. People might also find it helps if neighbours use their driveway occasionally.

Other things to consider:

·    Use timer switches to turn lights on and off at random times during the late evening and even better link these to a radio.

·    Be mindful of any doorstep deliveries, milk and papers being the obvious ones, make sure there cancelled.

·    Make sure all outside doors, windows, garage doors, side gates and outbuildings are locked and set alarm.

·    On leaving the house, be mindful of how to load up the car or taxi, being discreet will not alert the whole street you are off.

·    Consider disabling any vehicles left at the premises so even if the spare keys are stolen a thief would be unable to remove the vehicle.

Martyn Stephens, Community Safety Project Officer said: “Returning home from holiday to find your premises having been broken into is very upsetting.

“Hopefully this timely reminder on things to consider will ensure your holiday is one to remember for the right reasons.”

If you need further information you can contact your local Community Safety Project Officer at Warwickshire County Council or your Safer Neighbourhood Team with Warwickshire Police, call 01926 410410 for details.

Keep up with the Community Safety Team by reading their blog www.safeinwarwickshire.wordpress.com or follow them on Twitter www.twitter.com/safeinwarks.