Police urge residents to ‘Close it Lock it Check it’

Police in Lisburn and Castlereagh are asking residents to make home security part of their daily routine as part of efforts to reduce and prevent burglaries.

Chief Inspector Jonathan Wilson said: “This time of year can see an increase in burglaries with criminals using the darker evenings to their advantage. There are three things however that everyone can do to help us prevent more people from becoming victims of burglary.

“Firstly make sure to close, lock and check all windows and doors before you leave the house or go to bed. Get into the habit of doing this every day and make sure to get everyone in the house involved. The more you make this part of your daily routine, the less chance you have of being targeted by opportunistic burglars.

“Secondly, if you see something on your street or in your neighbourhood that doesn’t look right then let us know. Don’t wait. Pick up the phone and give us the information as soon as you can. We have caught burglars in the act because someone called us straightaway. We have stopped vans with stolen goods on-board because someone called us straightaway. The sooner we know, the faster we can respond and the safer your neighbourhood will be.

“Lastly make it your business to check in on an older neighbour or family member. Sadly burglars will target those who are more vulnerable in our community so if you know someone who lives on their own then please make contact in whatever way you can.

“We have lots of information on home security on our website (www.psni.police.uk) and our crime prevention officer is available to provide further assistance via our non-emergency number 101. We also work closely with our Policing and Community Safety Partnership and Neighbourhood Watch partners to ensure that advice and support is available to all our residents.”

Councillor Michelle Guy, Chair of the Lisburn & Castlereagh Policing and Community Safety Partnership added: “We would encourage everyone to secure their property at night and when out and about. There are 87 Neighbourhood Watch Schemes within the council area that were set up to address concerns of residents including anti-social behaviour and fear of crime.”