Make sure you have a safe home this summer

Chief Inspector Jon Burrows explains: “The sun might be a bit slow in making an appearance but this is usually the time of year we are getting the patio furniture out of storage or making sure the lawnmower is in good working order.

“With that in mind take the time to make sure garages, sheds and outbuildings have working locks and alarms and that valuable items are secured away and appropriately marked.

“This advice is particularly pertinent to anyone living in any rural areas and who may not access their storage buildings on a daily basis.

“Unfortunately the summer months also sees an increase in opportunistic crimes, particularly from travelling criminals who may take advantage of people being away from their properties from extended period of times because of holidays or short breaks.

“Working alarms, locked doors and windows, and valuables put out of sight can prevent you from becoming a victim of a burglary or theft.”

You can find out more about securing your home on the PSNI website

www.psni.police.uk and clicking on the Advice and Information tab.

Alternatively you can arrange to speak to your local PSNI Crime Prevention Officer by calling the non-emergency number 101.