With the onset of darker nights, Thirsk Police want to encourage people to take vital security measures. During the winter months, our homes and vehicles become all the more vulnerable and so it is essential to heighten security. Police want to stress the importance of ensuring all doors and windows are locked and keys kept out of sight.

Advice for securing your home;

• Fit and use good quality locks on doors and windows
• Install a burglar alarm
• Don’t open your door to unexpected callers - check their identity first using a door viewer or a door chain
• Lock away ladders, garden tools and other items which burglars could use
• Make your home appear occupied at all times - use timer switches or leave your lights on when you are out
• Remember - if you can get in to your home without keys so could a burglar

PC Kev Brookes, Crime Reduction Officer for Thirsk Safer Neighbourhoods Team said: “It is vital keys are kept away form view as thieves will look for any opportunity to steal keys that are left hanging up in the kitchen or hallway or left on a table. My advice is to make sure all windows and doors are locked, even at times when you are in.

“Simple yet extremely effective crime prevention measures will help to avoid being a victim to thieves. Criminals are opportunists. If you reduce the opportunities you reduce the crime”.