A NEWS campaign launched by the PSNI and Policing and Community Safety Partnerships (PCSPs) is encouraging the public to take a few simple steps to protect their home, their family, and their belongings from opportunistic crime.
Around one third of domestic burglaries across the North re committed because home owners leave doors and windows open.
The most vulnerable to burglars are elderly people.
The campaign is designed to raise awareness of the crime prevention measures that can be taken to keep people and property safe, and particularly for our older people.
The Derry and Strabane PCSP, working with Local Policing Teams, have been running local initiatives to support the campaign, as PCSP Chair Councillor Eric McGinley explained.
“Recent statistics for the Council area show that although domestic burglary has decreased overall, our older people are increasingly becoming victims of burglary,” said Cllr McGinley.
“This is a concern for the PCSP and we are delighted to be working with the local PSNI on this campaign to raise awareness of the simple steps you can take to lessen your chances of falling victim to crime.
“Our involvement will bring a local focus to the problem and help not only to increase awareness of domestic burglary in our area, but also highlight the important role our PCSP has in making the community safer.
“Things like checking and securing your back doors and windows and security marking your valuables will help to prevent burglaries in your home.
“With a focus on protecting your belongings the campaign also highlights the importance of protecting elderly members of our family and community against burglary and what steps we can take to ensure they stay safe in their home.
“I would urge everyone to take heed of the practical advice on offer to better protect yourself, your family and your belongings.
“All it takes is changing a few simple things in your daily routine to help you and your family feel safer.”
Between April and June, in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area, domestic burglary against older people has increased by 13.3% compared to last year.
This is very concerning and while the campaign has a focus on this age group the PSNI, working with the Commissioner for Older Persons is also launching the ‘Nominated Neighbour’ scheme.
This is an initiative that if an unrecognised caller comes to the address of an older person when they are alone in the house, the caller will be handed a card instructing them to contact their ‘Nominated Neighbour’, who will then try and check the caller’s identity.
District Commander for the area Mark McEwan, PSNI said: “Tackling domestic burglary remains of major importance for the Police Service. Our overall aim is to keep people safe and bring more offenders before the courts.
“We know that domestic burglary is a crime that has a high victim impact when a person’s home is broken into and their personal space invaded.
“The potentially significant impact of the loss of precious and personal items is fully recognised.
“We want people to feel safe within their own home and community but we also want them to be aware that thieves and burglars will seize any opportunity they can.
“As part of our campaign we are asking people to work with their neighbours and keep an eye on your local neighbourhood.
“We need everybody’s help in ensuring that burglars do not get away with their crimes.”
To find out more about how you can protect ‘your home, your family and your belongings’ you should contact the PCSP through the Council, your local crime prevention officer or policing team on 101.
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