POLICING are advising residents in Launceston to make sure their homes are secure to guard against ‘Billy Burglar’.

They say they are often asked about home security when there has been a burglary or a shed break-in locally.

Launceston Police said residents can take simple measures such as locking doors and windows at night and when going out, not leaving keys under flowerpots or on bits of string in letterboxes, making sure back gates and sheds are padlocked.

A spokesperson took to social media with further advice: “If you have high hedges or bushes that obscure your home think about how it might shelter someone from view who might be breaking in. Making sure that any ladders are chained up and items like TVs, cameras, laptops and PCs are marked with a UV pen with your post and initials. The fitting of a door chain is very cheap and a very good security device, also think about lighting up the outside of your home — Billy Burglar hates light.

“CCTV security systems have advanced greatly in the last few years and a good one does not have to cost the earth. Lastly when you buy an expensive item like a TV, computer, cameras etc. do not put the packaging out where everyone can see it — you are telling Billy Burglar what you have in your home and when you go away stop the milk and papers if you have them delivered — don’t let Billy know that you are away.”