This week (w/c 25/08) is National Home Security Week, and Derbyshire Dales District Council is taking the opportunity to remind residents how they can keep their property as safe as houses.

The Derbyshire Dales has the second lowest burglary rate in the country. There are only 2.65 burglaries for every 1,000 residents. This is the lowest burglary rate in Derbyshire, and one of the lowest in the country. The District Council would like to get burglaries even lower.

Everyone can do their bit to keep burglaries down. Always lock your windows and doors, whether you are out, in the garden or indoors. Remember to lock up your shed and garage as well as your house. 80% of burglars enter through unlocked windows and doors, so it is very easy to prevent these by locking your home.

A free booklet ‘Your Practical Guide to Crime Prevention’ is available from www.crimereduction.gov.uk or your local police station. You can use timers to switch lights on and off when you are out, and ask a friend or neighbour to keep an eye on your house. Using alarms and door chains is a good deterrent to prevent burglaries. Older people can join the “Nominated Neighbour” scheme through their local Neighbourhood Watch.

Details of local Neighbourhood Watch schemes can be found at www.neighbourhoodwatch.net or by calling the Community Intelligence Department on 01298 762215.

Derbyshire Dales District Council, in partnership with the Police, uses the Handyvan to reduce the risk of burglary and fire, and to support people whose homes have previously suffered a break-in. The project has been 100% effective at reducing burglary in the Dales: none of the people whose homes have been secured have suffered any further break-ins.

Councillor Lewis Rose OBE, Chairman of the Safer Derbyshire Dales Community Safety Partnership and Leader of the District Council, said “The Handyvan is a superb initiative which provides a much appreciated service. It helps people feel more secure in their homes. As well as boosting home security, we have provided safety improvements for families with young children and for older people in the Dales.

“Together with our partners in Derbyshire Police, we will continue to work hard to keep the Derbyshire Dales one of the safest places in Britain to live, work and visit.”