A high profile campaign on crime prevention has been launched throughout the Borough urging residents to help deter burglars while on holidays this summer.
Craigavon Community Safety Partnership (CCSP), Craigavon District Policing Partnership (DPP) and the PSNI are working in partnership with local travel agents throughout Craigavon to raise awareness of home security measures which residents should take before going on holiday.
‘Peace of Mind’ leaflets have been issued to travel agents to distribute to people enquiring about or booking holidays. These provide advice and guidance on how to make their home more secure while away. Some travel agents are also displaying a banner to promote the leaflet in-store.
Top tips highlighted in the leaflet to help prevent burglaries, include:
- Have an approved alarm system installed
- Don’t leave valuables, like laptops and TVs, where people can see them through windows
- Don’t leave curtains closed during the day as this shows the house is empty
- Cancel any regular deliveries such as newspapers or milk
- Avoid discussing holiday plans where strangers may hear details of your absence from home
- Consider leaving important documents and valuable items with other family members or a bank or lock them in a safe
- Don’t forget to lock all external doors and windows!
"I would strongly advise all residents to secure their homes and implement the few simple steps outlined in our ‘Peace of Mind’ leaflet when leaving their houses unoccupied,” comments Councillor Robert Smith, Chair of the CCSP and DPP.
“Burglars are often opportunist and will target houses which offer the opportunity to carry out crime with the least number of obstacles in the way. By simply cancelling any regular deliveries such as newspapers or milk and using automatic timer switches to turn on lights or radios can all help to deter burglars. Friends, family and neighbours can also play a vital surveillance role in ensuring burglars stay away from your property.”
Chief Inspector Anthony McNally added, “We know that a significant proportion of crime, including burglaries, could be prevented by the local community taking the simple steps outlined in this leaflet. Criminals look for easy targets and the community can avoid becoming victims of crime by being careful with their property over the holiday period.
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“The community also has a vital role in reporting suspicious activity and I would urge local residents and businesses to be vigilant and to report suspicious persons or vehicles to local police on 0845 600 8000.”
For more information or if you would like a copy of the leaflet please contact Lynette Burke on 028 3831 529 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
