A credit card sized information card is being made available to householders to help them reduce the risk of their home being broken into when they go away on holiday.

Grampian Police, working with The Royal Bank of Scotland and the Garioch & North Marr Community Safety Group, have designed the card to include six bullet points that householders can take on board before they leave their home unoccupied. These are:

• Cancel any milk or newspapers
• Don't leave valuable items on view
• Make sure your house looks occupied
• Don't tell everyone your house will be empty
• Ask a friend to check your house
• Cut your lawn if you have a garden

Andrew Jamieson, a Crime Reduction Officer in Grampian Police's South Aberdeenshire Command Area said:

"The Holiday Information Card is a very easy way for Grampian Police to pass on common-sense and practical advice to householders, so that they can have peace of mind to enjoy there holiday. With all the excitement that accompanies going away on holiday, it is understandable that some householders may not have the security of their home at the front of their minds.

"In recent weeks we have seen several homes broken into whilst the occupants were away on holiday and at Crime Reduction we wish to raise awareness that most homes are broken into when they are unoccupied and so a home left empty for a week or two during the summer holiday period may well be attractive to the opportunist criminal."

Jenny Moultrie, a Regional Manager with The Royal Bank of Scotland said:

"We are delighted to have been involved with this community initiative. We always aim to provide a first class service to our customers and the Holiday Information Card is another step in achieve this goal."

Ron McKail, Chair of the Garioch & North Marr Community Safety Group said:

"A break-in to your home is one of those crimes that can stay with you long after the event itself, and so anything that can be done to reduce the likelihood of it occurring is to be welcomed. The Holiday Information Card is a simple and effective idea encouraging householders to spend a few moments thinking about the security of their home before they go away on holiday."

The Holiday Information Cards are being distributed by the Garioch & North Marr Community Safety Group, and are also available at branches of the Royal bank of Scotland in the North East and at all Police Offices in the South Aberdeenshire Command Area.