HOLSWORTHY Neighbourhood Police are reminding residents to keep their homes locked and secure — this is after a number of recent burglaries across North Devon where offenders have gained entry via an insecure door or window.

PCSO?Emma Tomkies said:?"Please play your part in protecting your home and belongings by taking these simple steps."

• Make sure that your house or flat is kept secure. Always keep your front and back door locked even when you are in the garden. The same goes for windows, especially vulnerable ground floor windows;

• Do not leave items such as handbags or purses close to a door or window. It takes a matter of seconds for a burglar to reach through and take these items. This will cause far more problems than you think, often car keys are in the bag, credit and bank cards, mobile phone and personal belongings. Store handbags out of site and keep keys in a safe place;

• If you are going away try your best to make your house look occupied. It is best to ask a trusted friend or relative to keep an eye on your property. Drawing curtains, leaving lights on and removing post are all good ways of not drawing attention to your property. Using timers can help turn lights on and off;

• Don't forget to apply security to your sheds and garages. Often both contain expensive equipment, which is easy to steal and sell on. Make sure items are property marked and locked away using a heavy padlock. Fitting a simple shed alarm is a big deterrent;

• The best way to protect your property is to have a burglar alarm fitted by a company recognised by NACOSS, SSAIB or NSI. This will drastically reduce your chances of becoming a victim of burglary.

PCSO?Tomkies added:?"Please do not become complacent and consider the above advice. Despite this advice burglary figures have reduced again and we are the third safest place to live in England and Wales. Together we can reduce our figures even further!"

For more crime prevention, advice please visit http://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk">www.devon-cornwall.police.uk or call the crime prevention officer on 01271 335220.