Campaign launched to help reduce burglaries over autumn months

A campaign to raise awareness of domestic burglaries and how residents can protect their properties over the autumn months is underway.

The clocks have gone back and with the nights now starting to draw in, North Wales Police are urging people to think about the ‘Appearance of your home’ as part of Operation Twilight.

The campaign is encouraging residents to help play a “key role in keeping burglary and other types of crime low” by making sure their properties are secure.

Sgt Beth Jones said the autumns months tend to see an increase in burglaries.

“One reason is due to the shorter days which make it easier for burglars to identify which homes are unoccupied, as they are often left in the dark whilst people are out,” continued Sgt Jones.

“If there is one word that sums up how burglars choose a target property its APPEARANCE.”

“The message we want to deliver is simple and straightforward – asking people to reflect on how their home looks whilst they’re out shopping, picking up the children from school etc.

“Does their home look unoccupied? It’s going dark but there are no lights on and no car in the driveway. In comparison to neighbouring houses it might be obvious that no one is in.”

“The majority of burglaries are completely avoidable. Residents can play a key role in keeping burglary and other types of crime low, by protecting their homes and valuables and acting on the advice police provide to them.”

As well as providing crime prevention advice to residents across the region, officers from the Safer Neighbourhood Teams together with Community Safety partners will deliver specific advice and help to vulnerable members of the community to ensure they keep their homes secure.

Over the campaign period, North Wales Police will be highlighting advice messages via their social media channels using the hashtag #OpTwilight. Social media users are encouraged to help the campaign by re-tweeting or sharing the information.

Members of the public are also encouraged to visit the North Wales Police website which offers valuable information and advice on how to keep properties and valuables secure.

If you know of someone who is committing burglary, or is involved with the selling of stolen goods, please contact North Wales Police on the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, use the live webchat or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.