Police in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge have this week launched a new crime initiative to raise awareness of burglaries in the area.
It follows a spate of break-ins earlier this year and a traditional increase in burglaries over the summer when house windows are left open during hot weather.
Officers from Burnham-On-Sea Police Station have begun a crime prevention scheme called ‘Street a Week’ in Burnham and Highbridge.
The initiative involves the team visiting a different street each week to engage with the local community and offer crime prevention advice and support.
“We will be handing out crime prevention advice along with property marking equipment. We hope to encourage residents to help us by helping themselves by marking and registering property,” said Constable Adrian Jones.
“We will be telling residents about several easy and inexpensive things they can do to protect their property and deter thieves.”
“These include marking property with postcodes, taking photos of valuables such as jewellery and electrical items, making a note of serial numbers of mobile phones, digital cameras and other items then registering them on immobilise.com.”
“We also advise that residents ensure all windows and doors are locked and secure when they are out. Also, using timer switches for lights and a radio to come on if you are out in the evening or on holiday will also deter criminals.”
“Residents should also ask a friend or a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on their property while they are away, and consider joining or setting up a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in your area.”
Police can also carry out a free survey of homes in the Burnham and Highbridge area to assess what else can be done to make it secure.
For more information readers can Burnham Police via the non-emergency number 101.
Pictured: PC Adrian Jones, PC Ryan Dinham and PCSO Pete Williams
