Police shed light on reducing burglaries

Pensioners in Kidderminster will be able to light up their homes, thanks to free bulbs and leaflets handed out as part of West Mercia Police's home security campaign.

Energy efficient bulbs have been handed out by Community Support Officer Nicky Merson to tenants of the Adams House group housing scheme in Crowther Street.

Local Policing teams across the district have also been handing out the light bulbs donated by energy company npower to encourage people to leave a light on when they go out to help deter burglars.

Bulb-shaped leaflets are also being handed out to provide home security advice designed to help people reduce the risk of burglary and criminal damage.

Wyre Forest's District Inspector Paul Crowley said: "Fewer than one per cent of homes across the West Mercia area are burgled each year. However, when it is dark outside unlit houses can be a target for thieves. Turning a light on in the evening is jut one of a number of simple steps people can take to improve their home security.

"Burglaries are more likely to happen during the evening or at night and when a house or flat is empty so giving the impression that someone is a home is a good way to deter an opportunist thief."

Police say they are aware of the need for people to be energy efficient and recommend using low energy light bulbs and timers.

Inspector Crowley added: "While using timer switches or leaving a light on will not prevent all burglaries it will certainly make life more difficult for thieves."