The Safer Stockport Partnership (SSP) is calling on communities to be vigilant and take responsibility for their home’s security over the festive period.

One in three burglaries happen to homes that are insecure and it is more important than ever that the public do everything in their power to warn off thieves.
 
We are asking the public to keep their homes safe this winter using simple security tips, including:
• Use mortice locks on external doors and consider using split spindle locks on front doors.
• Alarms and lights used in the right way can be a huge deterrent to burglars looking to target properties that have easy access.
• Police recommend using a quality household alarm that protects all external doors and downstairs rooms and should be used when leaving the house and going to bed.
• Light timers should also be used if you are going to be out of the house when it is dark.
• External security lighting, shed alarms, window shock alarms and door chimes can be used as an extra deterrent.

Chief Inspector Richard Timson from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said: “Longer nights bring around opportunities for burglars to target our homes, however by implementing some simple measures this can make your property less attractive to thieves. During the Christmas period Stockport Police are running a burglary initiative called Operation Goblet.

“The two main tactics of the operation are to provide residents of Stockport with crime prevention advice, and to have an enhanced capability to respond to burglary calls and reports of suspicious activity. I like to reassure the public that we will be working hard of the Christmas period to keep the residents of Stockport safe and wish you a happy and peaceful Christmas.”

To contact the police in an emergency call 999 or to contact Greater Manchester Police for a less urgent matter call 101. For the latest news and information about your Neighbourhood Policing Team visit www.gmp.police.uk.

The SSP is a partnership which includes Stockport Council, GMP and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

For more information about the campaign visit www.saferstockport.org.uk, call us on 0161 474 3143 or follow us on Twitter @saferstockport