Summer security advice for Knowsley residents

With the arrival of the warmer weather, the Safer Knowsley Partnership is advising residents in Knowsley to be extra vigilant about their home security.

During the summer months, burglaries tend to increase as residents leave their doors and windows insecure, particularly whilst the occupant is gardening, leaving their doors unlocked or windows open.

The Safer Knowsley Partnership, which includes Merseyside Police, Merseyside Police Authority, Knowsley Council, Health and Fire Service, is issuing the following advice to combat burglary:-

• Always check your front and back doors are secure even if you are in. Burglaries can often occur via insecure back doors whilst residents are at home watching television or in the garden. A thief can get through the smallest window and may often try to open a door if it appears that there is no one in the premises. Consider fitting a battery operated door alarm.

• Keep your house and car keys out of sight away from windows and doors

• Secure your shed and/or garage properly. Use bicycle chains to lock equipment together, secure your lawnmower to your bike - this makes it very difficult for thieves to carry objects away. Consider fitting a shed alarm.

• Don't leave gardening tools lying around - thieves will use them to break into your house.

Constable Colin Carter, Crime Reduction Officer for Merseyside Police at Knowsley, commented "Most burglaries are opportunist, and very often no force is used to get in. I can't stress strongly enough that you should close and lock all windows and doors and use your alarm if you have one."

"Thieves will take advantage and some residents, who haven't locked up properly, have returned to find handbags, mobile phones, credit cards missing. I would urge neighbours to keep an eye on their neighbour's property and if you see a window or door left open, tell them."
For further information on home security, contact the Knowsley Crime Reduction Officer on 0151 777 6467.

If you have information about crime in your area, contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.