Face-to-face visits urge residents to think lock

Residents living in Gorton have received face-to-face advice about how to avoid becoming victims of burglary.

Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester Police officers knocked on around 400 doors in the area, giving information about simple tips to make these homes more secure, such as leaving low energy lights on during the afternoon.

As part of the Respect action days, taking place from 27-29 October, officers also handed out leaflets which can be hung from doors, giving advice about how to avoid burglary, as well as window stickers that act as a visual  deterrent to would-be burglars.

The simple tips, being issued as part of the City Council's Think Lock anti-burglary campaign, include:

Lock your windows and doors
If you're going out or going away, leave lights on a timer 
Don't leave valuables on show
If you can, fit a burglar alarm and use it
Don't let cold callers into your home
Mark and photograph your valuables

Councillor Jim Battle, Manchester City Council's deputy  leader, said: "We are working closely with the police to drive down  burglary and make sure everyone knows exactly what they should do to avoid becoming a victim.

"Event like this show just how serious we are about that, and there are now hundreds of properties in Gorton which will be much less attractive to burglars."

Chief Inspector John Egerton said: "Burglary between 1 April and 31 October this year has reduced by 21 per cent across the Metropolitan Division when compared to the same period last year. This equates to 240 fewer families suffering this distressing crime.

"People can help reduce their chances of becoming a victim of burglary by following simple crime reduction advice such as leaving a light on, using timer switches and burglar alarms and shutting and locking all doors and  windows.

"Recent research that involved interviews with convicted burglars showed that leaving a light on is an effective deterrent to burglars as they will not in most cases target a house that could be occupied."

For more  information about crime safety visit  http://www.makingmanchestersafer.com/