New scheme to protect homes from thieves

Unsecured homes, vacant properties and new builds are often targeted by thieves and many of these burglaries and thefts are opportunistic. Thieves will look for any chance to take advantage of a vulnerable property so it is incumbent on all of us to ensure our property is secure as possible.

Police have now obtained a number of remote alarm systems which can be installed in premises to deter criminals and detect when buildings are being entered and burgled.

Constable Pete Stevenson Banbridge Neighbourhood Policing Team, explained: “Burglary is a devastating crime which strikes right at the heart of your home and can leave the victim feeling insecure and vulnerable. We know, through research, that your home is much more likely to be burgled if doors or windows are left insecure or it appears vulnerable.

“The aim of the remote alarms is to offer an additional form of protection and peace of mind to home owners. The alarms will activate when a building is entered and an alert is immediately sent to the owner. The alarms will be installed on a temporary basis, giving home owners the opportunity to put more permanent measures in place while ensuring their property is secure in the interim.

“New build properties are often targeted by criminals for metal fixtures and fittings and these thefts can go unnoticed or unobserved because the property is not inhabited or visited on a daily basis. We hope to work with estate agents to identify vulnerable areas. Repeat victims of burglary and residents in identified areas of concern will also be able to avail of the alarms and our local crime prevention officers will help us to identify potential participants.

“We understand that this is not a solution to all burglaries or thefts but it is another tool we can use to reduce opportunities for thieves and to empower home owners to protect their own property and make it less attractive to criminals.”