As the summer holidays are fast approaching, many of us are thinking of going away. It is important for local residents to ensure preventative measures are taken to deter opportunist burglars.

Break-ins are likely to take place in the spring and summer months, by opportunist burglars looking for insecure windows and doors, so leaving your doors unlocked, even while you’re in the garden or upstairs, is taking a risk. The most important thing is that you lock your doors and don’t become complacent. It only takes a second for someone to get into your home and take things without you noticing.

If you are planning to go on holiday, you can help protect yourself from becoming a victim of burglary, by following these simple steps:

• Ensure that your house looks occupied. 
 
• Ask a trusted neighbour to open and close your curtains for you. 
 
• Secure garden boundaries. 
 
• Do not leave valuables on display in front of windows 
 
• Ask a neighbour if they don't mind parking their car on your driveway and trimming your garden lawn  to make your home look occupied. 
 
• Consider fitting outside security lighting or a visible alarm to help deter burglars. 
 
• Before leaving, check the garden for any insecure tools or ladders. 
 
• Use timers for lights to come on late evening. 
 
• Cut the front and back lawns before you go away and trim any plants that burglars could hide behind. 
 
• Cancel milk and newspaper deliveries. 
 
• Before your holiday, don’t advertise that you are going away on social media websites 
• Register for the Royal Mail 'Keepsafe' service

If you see anyone acting suspiciously around a property, please contact the police via the 101 non emergency number or if a crime is in progress dial 999.

If you don't want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.  No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

Why not start a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in your area if you haven't one already, it is totally free of charge.