Keep your home in Woodingdean secure this summer

Here are some top tips from Ray Harrison, Woodingdean’s PCSO, and Sussex Police to protect yourself from burglaries during summer.

Although the number of burglaries across Sussex is falling, because in summer we open our doors and windows, we can be vulnerable to crime.

**If you leave your house empty – even when you are in the back garden – lock all the doors and windows and make sure fanlight windows are closed. Be especially careful about those on the ground floor and above flat roof areas.

When you leave a room unattended, close the windows and doors – especially on the ground floor.

Keep all wallets, purses, credit cards and car keys out of sight.

If you want to leave your windows open while you are asleep, have window restrictors fitted to stop people climbing in.

Double check fences and boundaries to make sure they keep burglars out.

Secure garden tools and ladders in a locked shed or garage to prevent them being used to break in to your or a neighbour’s home.

Consider laying gravel on your footpaths or driveway, which can deter burglars from approaching your property.

Fit outside security lighting and a visible burglar alarm to help deter burglars.**

• The best defence against burglary is prevention.*

For more advice on crime prevention visit www.sussex.police.uk or phone 101 and ask for your local Crime Prevention Officer.

In an emergency, or if you see a crime in progress, always dial 999.