Police Stage Public Surgery In Shrewsbury On Home Security

Home security will be the key issue at a police drop-in surgery being held in the Shrewsbury area on Friday (Oct 26).

It has been organised by West Mercia Police and will be run at the Edgefield Green Community Centre in Bicton Heath from 10.30am to 1pm.

The police Crime Risk Advisor for Shropshire, Mr Charles Naylor will be on hand to answer questions and give advice on all aspects of crime prevention.  In particular, he will offer tips on safeguarding the home from being burgled.

He said: "We are running a series of advice sessions for people across Shropshire over the next few weeks.

"It coincides with the clocks going back and the darker nights when homes may be more vulnerable to being broken into.  However, that risk can be significantly reduced by tightening up security.

"The main thing is being alert and security conscious, remembering the basics like keeping doors locked, securing windows at night and keeping a light on when you are out for the evening.

"I'll be available to give advice on a range of issues, all of which cost little or nothing."

He added that the upsurge in household burglaries earlier this year had reduced in the past few months.  "This is largely due to the pro-active approach by police in Shropshire under a new initiative called Citadel focussing on reducing the volume of burglaries and increasing detections together with the public becoming more aware of crime prevention measures."

Overall crime in Shropshire continues to fall, with 7,115 offences reported from April 1 up to the current date, compared with 7,876 for the same period last year.  The 761 fewer crimes represent a 9.7 per cent drop.

Issued: Wednesday, 24 October 2012