CSOs Unlock Key Home Security Messages

CSOs Jenny Hawkins (Droitwich Rural East) and William Westwood (Droitwich Town West) with Mike Stephenson, Crime Reduction Manager for South Worcestershire, at the up-date training on home security.Community support officers across South Worcestershire can now offer residents the latest expert advice and information on security in general and door and window locks in particular.

Having received first-hand instruction from South Worcestershire's Crime Risk Manager Mike Stephenson, they are now equipped with detailed knowledge of how best to protect property - including state-of-the-art locks and latches, lighting and fencing - and even the type of hedges that help keep prowlers out!

"The CSO's busy role has now been further enhanced to cover all elements of residential security - and they are taking on their extended capability with great enthusiasm," said Mr Stephenson, who coached the CSOs at South Worcestershire Division headquarters in Worcester Police Station.

"As well as offering reassurance during follow-up visits, CSOs now provide the latest advice and guidance on what type of locks to buy as well as offering accurate guidance on CCTV and other security issues.

"When they first came on the course, some CSOs were not necessarily totally aware of a five-lever mortice lock. Now they know exactly what it can do, both in terms of keeping properties secure and providing strong reassurance to residents."

The use of their enhanced skills by CSOs coincides with 'Operation Protect 3', a burglary awareness week - starting on Monday 4 January - across Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Worcestershire to highlight crime prevention tactics and arrest those who make other people's lives a misery.

Mr Stephenson added: "As most burglaries are carried out by opportunistic thieves householders should always ensure that their homes are safe and secure. They can help in this by leaving lights on, using timer switches and keeping doors and windows securely locked.

"Anyone leaving their premises empty, even for a short period, should cancel milk and newspapers and ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on the property," he added.

As with the two previous ‘Operation Protects' - in April and October 2009 - posters and leaflets are being distributed in local communities. West Mercia Police is also supporting the Home Office ‘Let's Keep Crime Down' campaign which began on Boxing Day.

The campaign helps minimise the risk of becoming a victim of burglary, theft from vehicles, robbery and identity crime, by providing practical crime prevention advice that can easily be acted upon. Supporting advertisements are appearing on national TV, radio and in newspapers. 

Mr Stephenson added: "Levels of crime in South Worcestershire are low but we want to make them even lower. We are committed to targeting persistent burglars and bringing them to justice to ensure local communities remain a safe place to live and work."