Menu
04/12/2018
Public Urged To Be Cautious Of Christmas Burglaries
In the run up to Christmas, the PSNI have appealed to homeowners to take steps to protect their property and reduce their risk of being a victim of crime.
The public have also been urged to look out for more vulnerable neighbours and relatives during the festive period.
Chief Superintendent Simon Walls said: "We as a police service will do everything in our power to tackle crime, however we also need the help of you, the community, to ensure that burglars do not get away with their crimes.
"With Christmas approaching we would remind people it is not a time of rest for criminals; they too are doing their Christmas shopping, looking to gain advantage at your expense.
"Don't make it easy for them, stay alert to your surroundings and report anything suspicious to police immediately. When you get home, keep your presents safe. Everyone likes to see Christmas presents around a tree, but make sure that no one can see them from outside. It is important to ensure you always lock your doors and windows at night and when out to secure those high value items you may have at Christmas."
Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity is encouraged to contact police, no matter how insignificant it may seem, such as with reports of suspicious vehicles or people acting strangely in residential neighbourhoods.
Superintendent Walls also issued his top ten tips to deter burglars:
• Close and lock all doors and windows even if you are only going out for a few minutes.
• Leave a light on if it will be dark before you get home. Consider security lights. To a burglar, a dark house is an empty house.
• Keep your valuables out of sight.
• Cancel milk or other deliveries if you will be away from home.
• Don't leave car keys near your door, letterbox or windows.
• Always check who is at the door. Not sure? Don't open the door.
• Set your alarm when going out and at night time. If you do not have an alarm consider installing one.
• Ask a neighbour or a friend to check your property and to remove post from the porch/hallway.
• Inform police if your house is to be vacant for any length of time.
• Always keep sheds and outbuildings locked and secure ladders.
"Domestic burglary has been and will remain a priority for us. Talk to your family and neighbours about the top ten tips and the simple measures you can take to make your home more secure. If you have an older relative or neighbour help them to keep their homes safe and talk to them about home security."
Further advice on home security can be obtained from local Crime Prevention Officers on the non-emergency line 101.
(JG/CM)
The public have also been urged to look out for more vulnerable neighbours and relatives during the festive period.
Chief Superintendent Simon Walls said: "We as a police service will do everything in our power to tackle crime, however we also need the help of you, the community, to ensure that burglars do not get away with their crimes.
"With Christmas approaching we would remind people it is not a time of rest for criminals; they too are doing their Christmas shopping, looking to gain advantage at your expense.
"Don't make it easy for them, stay alert to your surroundings and report anything suspicious to police immediately. When you get home, keep your presents safe. Everyone likes to see Christmas presents around a tree, but make sure that no one can see them from outside. It is important to ensure you always lock your doors and windows at night and when out to secure those high value items you may have at Christmas."
Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity is encouraged to contact police, no matter how insignificant it may seem, such as with reports of suspicious vehicles or people acting strangely in residential neighbourhoods.
Superintendent Walls also issued his top ten tips to deter burglars:
• Close and lock all doors and windows even if you are only going out for a few minutes.
• Leave a light on if it will be dark before you get home. Consider security lights. To a burglar, a dark house is an empty house.
• Keep your valuables out of sight.
• Cancel milk or other deliveries if you will be away from home.
• Don't leave car keys near your door, letterbox or windows.
• Always check who is at the door. Not sure? Don't open the door.
• Set your alarm when going out and at night time. If you do not have an alarm consider installing one.
• Ask a neighbour or a friend to check your property and to remove post from the porch/hallway.
• Inform police if your house is to be vacant for any length of time.
• Always keep sheds and outbuildings locked and secure ladders.
"Domestic burglary has been and will remain a priority for us. Talk to your family and neighbours about the top ten tips and the simple measures you can take to make your home more secure. If you have an older relative or neighbour help them to keep their homes safe and talk to them about home security."
Further advice on home security can be obtained from local Crime Prevention Officers on the non-emergency line 101.
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Belfast Christmas Market Announces Dublin Express As Official Travel Partner
Belfast Christmas Market is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary in style, with the announcement of Dublin Express as its official travel partner. Opening its gates on November 16th at 12 noon, the market is expected to attract over a million visitors.
Belfast Christmas Market Announces Dublin Express As Official Travel Partner
Belfast Christmas Market is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary in style, with the announcement of Dublin Express as its official travel partner. Opening its gates on November 16th at 12 noon, the market is expected to attract over a million visitors.
05 November 2019
Titanic Belfast Launches Search For A Little Star
The search is on for a lucky child to help get Christmas underway at Titanic Belfast. The festive illuminations will burst into life on Sunday 24 November with the official illumination ceremony followed by an array of activities for families to enjoy.
Titanic Belfast Launches Search For A Little Star
The search is on for a lucky child to help get Christmas underway at Titanic Belfast. The festive illuminations will burst into life on Sunday 24 November with the official illumination ceremony followed by an array of activities for families to enjoy.
08 May 2019
PSNI: Give Cold Callers The Cold Shoulder
As the evenings stretch out, a senior PSNI officer is urging householders to make sure they do all they can to protect their property. Chief Superintendent Simon Walls wants home and business owners to take the necessary precautions to secure their home and belongings against opportunistic burglars and to be on their guard for cold callers.
PSNI: Give Cold Callers The Cold Shoulder
As the evenings stretch out, a senior PSNI officer is urging householders to make sure they do all they can to protect their property. Chief Superintendent Simon Walls wants home and business owners to take the necessary precautions to secure their home and belongings against opportunistic burglars and to be on their guard for cold callers.
27 November 2024
Police Launch Christmas Operation To Keep Derry City & Strabane Safe
Derry City and Strabane Police have launched Operation Season's Greetings, an annual initiative aimed at ensuring public safety during the festive period. Increased police patrols will be deployed across the district to deter crime and anti-social behaviour.
Police Launch Christmas Operation To Keep Derry City & Strabane Safe
Derry City and Strabane Police have launched Operation Season's Greetings, an annual initiative aimed at ensuring public safety during the festive period. Increased police patrols will be deployed across the district to deter crime and anti-social behaviour.
06 March 2006
Local business woman builds property success
Local Business Woman, Marlene McFeely, of Property Services Plus, hit the press once again this week with an exciting and innovative approach to the problems of buying property. “I was not surprised by the amount of help and assistance available to you if you wish to sell your home, office, or piece of land,” she stated.
Local business woman builds property success
Local Business Woman, Marlene McFeely, of Property Services Plus, hit the press once again this week with an exciting and innovative approach to the problems of buying property. “I was not surprised by the amount of help and assistance available to you if you wish to sell your home, office, or piece of land,” she stated.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
