29/11/10…Keep burglars out in the cold

SOUTH Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse Community Safety Partnerships have joined forces with Thames Valley Crimestoppers to offer advice to local people to cut Christmas crime, and to help are selling Christmas safety stocking fillers.

From December 1, local police teams will be on the look out for homes that look empty or those at risk of burglary and they?ll pop an advice postcard through the door with simple steps to help residents keep their homes safe:

? use timer switches on lights to give the illusion of someone being home
? keep valuables out of sight, including the presents round the Christmas tree
? join a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme or get free crime alerts from the police by calling your Neighbourhood Watch administrator on 0845 8 505 505
? call 0800 555111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org to pass information onto the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously.

Tony De Vere, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council and Chairman of the Vale Community Safety Partnership, said:?We live in one of the safest areas in the country, but everywhere is at risk of Christmas crooks so we must be vigilant and take steps to deter burglars.?

Jane Murphy, Cabinet Member for community safety at South Oxfordshire District Council and Chairman of the district?s Community Safety Partnership said:
?Make sure you report anything suspicious. You could be eligible for a cash reward of up to