How safe is your house? New police interactive brings crime scene to life
Police have launched a virtual reality challenge aimed at providing residents with home security tips to beat burglars.
The online walkthrough has been put together by West Midlands Police and former criminal Michael Fraser.
‘Players’ take on the role of a detective called to the scene of a fictional burglary on 27 Station Road.
Once at the property they can explore and uncover clues about how the thief broke in and what they could have done better to keep him out.
Michael, who also appeared on the BBC’s Beat The Burglar series, was recruited to help so the challenge could be as realistic as possible.
He said: “27 Station Road is West Midlands Police’s first ever interactive crime scene and it could quite easily be your home.
“Burglars are opportunistic thieves, they’re looking for a weakness in your home security and they will take advantage.
“Anything you can do to secure your property and make it less attractive to the burglars is a real good thing.”
The immersive experience is filmed in 360 degrees and can be viewed on virtual reality devices and the police’s website.
The force says that home break-ins account for almost 10 per cent of crime in the region, with an average of more than 50 homes broken into every day.
The interactive VR house has been launched as the force anticipates a seasonal rise in burglary driven by the return of winter and darker nights.
The force’s Design Out Crime manager, Mark Silvester, said: “27 Station Road brings crime prevention advice to life.
“All too often our team is called on to give help and advice once the worst has happened.
"Exploring the site will help users review their own security and hopefully put measures in place to prevent a burglary happening. Providing layers of security to protect your home is key.
“Using lighting, tested locks, certified windows and doors and installing a burglar alarm are all methods which, when used in combination, will help deter burglars.”
