Urge to holiday-goers to secure their homes in half-term

We are reminding people jetting off for a half-term break in the sun, or those planning a trip closer to home, to safeguard their properties against break-ins.

Ahead of school half-term, next week, we are issuing simple tips to help residents across Staffordshire best protect their homes from opportunist thieves.

We are also running a crime prevention campaign, from Monday 12 February to Sunday 25 February, to help people to reduce their risk of becoming a victim of crime.

Force burglary lead, Detective Chief Inspector Adam Yates, said: “Our focus is on working proactively and reactively to catch and convict offenders whilst encouraging people to take crime prevention steps to keep their homes safe.

“The majority of thieves prefer to target homes when the occupants are away, so any sign of someone being home can deter them. Ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property and take your bins out and put them away for you.

“If your neighbour is on holiday, keep an eye out for any suspicious activity at their house. If you do see anything that doesn’t look right, contact us by calling our non-emergency 101 number, or by using the Live Chat function on our website. If a crime is in progress, always ring 999.”

Other tips to follow include:
• Don’t advertise that you are going to be away on social media and set your accounts to private
• Sheds and garages contain tools that burglars can use to help them get into a home. Make sure they’re locked and that no high-value items inside are left on view
• Likewise, ensure that all barbecue and garden equipment and tools are securely locked away in a shed and out of sight
• Burglars don’t want to be seen or heard and if they see CCTV cameras or video doorbells, they may just move on
• Cancel any deliveries, such as milk and papers, that will make it obvious you are not there.

As part of our crime prevention campaign, we are holding an online chat on Thursday 22 February, from 7pm to 8pm. Members of the public are encouraged to ask us questions around how to protect their home, vehicles and bikes from theft.

Access the chat, here: Crime prevention online chat (sli.do)

For more advice and tips, visit: Crime prevention advice | Staffordshire Police