Householderswarned aboutfestive thieves

Derry City Council Community Safety Partnership and the Londonderry District Policing Partnership (DPP) are encouraging everyone to ensure burglars can’t gain access to their property and valuables by getting through unlocked doors and windows in the coming week.

The partnerships are working with Neighbourhood Watch Coordinators to ensure that homes of the most vulnerable and elderly within neighbourhood watch schemes are well secured against unwelcome guests by distributing home security packs to them during November.

“Neighbourhood Watch encourages a sense of community spirit with neighbours looking out for each other and ensuring that everyone is safe and secure in their home. The winter months always call for extra vigilance and these packs will help people secure their homes and property against theft and intruders,” said Councillor Elisha McCallion, Chairperson for the CSP.

Councillor Thomas Conway, Chairperson for the DPP stated: “Crimes such as burglary and oil theft can have a detrimental effect on the community particularly its most elderly and vulnerable and these packs are one way of preventing such crime from taking place.

“So many thefts are assisted by doors, gates and windows being left open and I would urge people to lock everything up every time they leave home, even if it’s just for a quick message.”

For further information on setting up a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in your street please contact the CSP on 028 7137 6576.