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.
If you want more information, email Crime Prevention at
Grampian Police or phone them: 0845 600 5 700. Alternatively,
contact your local police office (details on the Grampian
Police web site). |