POLICE are calling on all residents not to make it easy for crooks as we enter 2008.
Insp Pete Lawless, of Western Area Proactive Policing Team, said: “For burglars, New Year’s Eve isn’t a holiday, it’s the perfect time to carry out crime.
“Many houses are obviously empty and people are often too busy celebrating to consider they could be potential victims of criminal activity.
“There is only so much we as police can do, but I’d like to reassure people we are doing everything we can. I encourage people to support our efforts by taking a look at their security measures and do everything they can to improve them.”
He advises:
When out and about, aim to look and act confident. Stay in busy, well-lit areas and try not to be conspicuous about the valuables you are carrying. Keep your credit cards separate from your cheque books and credit card pin numbers. Keep all bags and pockets securely closed or zipped up.
Plan your night out, including how to get home safely.
At home, always use window and door locks. Don’t leave sets of car keys on display either inside or outside in garage and shed doors. Fit a spyhole to make sure you can see who is calling before you open the door.
Use timer switches on lights and leave a radio playing to give the impression there is someone at home.
Christmas compost
THIS Christmas, Cheshire Waste Partnership is encouraging residents to ‘go green’ by home composting everything from paper hats and party popper contents to vegetable peelings, fallen pine needles and wood ash from the fire.
It has teamed up with the national Recycle Now Compost at Home Scheme. Compost bins cost from £8. For details, check out the website www.recyclenow.com/compost or phone 0845 077 0757.
