Locking a window

There will be no hiding place for burglars in St Helens as Merseyside Police steps up a gear to clamp down on burglary within the borough.

This Christmas, as well as carrying out targeted operations and high visibility patrols to arrest offenders, Police are asking that you take time to read through the following crime prevention advice to prevent you from becoming a victim of crime.

These simple steps include:

• Secure all doors - If your front and back doors are not secure, neither is your home. Try to ensure that your doors are fitted with secure, substantial locks.
• Windows – Secure all windows before leaving the house and fit window locks.
• Lighting – If you don't already have security lighting in place consider having it installed.
• Burglar alarms – Remember to put the burglar alarm on at all times when you leave the house, even if you are only out for a short time. Ensure your alarm is on when you go to bed.
• Garages and sheds – Fit a substantial padlock and never leave outbuildings unlocked.
• Remember to security mark property.
• Keys – Never leave keys (House or Vehicle) on show or anywhere near doors or windows.
• Doors – If you have a UPVC door, ensure that the door is locked securely. Do not simply lift the handle as thieves can use implements through letterboxes to pull the handle down from the outside.

Ensure empty boxes for all of your Christmas presents are not left on display outside your house, that way burglars won't know what you got for Christmas.

If you would like any further advice about any aspect of crime reduction, please contact crime reduction officers on 0151 777 6010. Alternatively further crime prevention advice can be found by following the link on the right hand of this page.