CRIME Prevention Officers in Winsford are launching a spring campaign, aimed at raising awareness amongst the public when they move house or go away on holiday.

Statistics indicate that four out of five homes burgled are left temporarily empty and therefore very vulnerable.

Cheshire Constabulary's crime prevention officers have arranged for leaflets to be distributed both in travel and estate agents within the Vale Royal area.

Vale Royal's crime prevention officers recommend the following actions to ensure that homes and possessions are kept safe and secure before, during and after any house move:

Use bona-fide tradesmen - those with a good reputation, members of trade associations.

Take care with your keys - know where and who has keys to your property.

Tell your neighbours - if the house is unoccupied or viewers are expected.

Advice from estate agent - restrict information given to prospective buyers on security arrangements for the home.

Insurance cover - ensure contents cover for the move and change of address.

Entry to your home - on appointment only.

Dealing with rubbish - large piles of rubbish can indicate a move.

Package your belongings - collection of boxes from the local area can advertise to a burglar that a property will be unoccupied.

During the move try to:

Keep your possesions secure - ask neighbours/friends to keep a watch on the house during the move.

Look after small children and animals - make sure that they are kept safe, ask for assistance from family and friends.

Check the removal van - ensure that the van offers proper security when unattended.

After the move try to:

Home watch - crime prevention officers can give advice on local schemes.

Mark possesions - change or add post code to identify possesions.

Make your home secure - check the security on the doors and windows of the new house, contact the Local Crime Prevention officer for advice.

Burglaries are most common when people are away on holiday. Cheshire Constabulary crime prevention department offers the following advice to holiday makers so they can take steps to secure their homes during the holiday period.

Do not leave anything to chance.

Plan ahead to reduce the opportunity for a crime to be committed against the home.

The main aim is to try and create an atmosphere that makes the home look lived in whilst on holiday.

Use time switches to switch lights, radios and other appliances on and off around the house.

Never leave curtains closed during the daytime, this is a telltale sign that you're away.

Cancel all deliveries of milk, papers etc, but do not advertise to the whole neighbourhood that the property is empty.

Contact the local Home-Watch co-ordinator and ask them to keep a special eye on the property, they could even act as key-holder whilst the property is empty.

Make sure all windows and doors are locked including the garage and garden shed as rich pickings can be made from out buildings.

Never leave high value items on display, hide them away or give them to a friend to look after.

Make sure that all electrical items are marked with the property's postcode.

If there is an alarm fitted make sure that it is working properly and switched on.

Finally enjoy the holiday.

For more information please contact Winsford's Crime Prevention Officer DC Phil Woods on 01244 613252.

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