WELCOME back to Safe and Sound, Wyre Forest Community Safety Partnership’s monthly column. End of term is here, school’s out and the holiday season is well and truly upon us. Improving weather and rising temperatures present criminals with warm weather opportunities. For example, if you are going walking near a beauty spot, don’t forget to lock your car and remove all valuables, including sat navs and the sucker marks that they make. Don’t forget to close the windows, including the sun roof!

Whilst Wyre Forest is a safe place to live and burglary figures remain low, during the summer months there can be an increase in burglary via open or insecure windows, as we all like to ventilate our homes.

Burglars exploit open windows, often while householders are asleep upstairs, or even when they are just in the back garden.

Please fit and use good locks on downstairs and accessible windows, lock up properly before you go to bed and only leave windows open where people are sleeping.

If you’re going away, taking a few simple steps will help keep your home safe and secure. Think about using automatic timer switches to turn lights on and off, invest in external lighting, cancel deliveries, cut lawns and lock all doors and windows. You could also consider moving bikes and other expensive items from the shed into the house, ask a neighbour to keep an eye on the house (be prepared to return the favour!) and even park on your drive. West Mercia Police are working with Wyre Forest travel agents to promote home security during the summer holiday period.

Travel agents will be giving their customers a leaflet with tips on home security as they book their summer holiday, or call in to collect their tickets.

The leaflet, entitled ‘Have a Safe and Secure Summer’, gives practical tips on what people can do before they go on holiday to keep their homes and property safe.

Further copies of the leaflet are available from the front counters of local police stations across North Worcestershire, or you can get further information from the force website at westmercia.police.uk

Staying at home? If you are looking for fun and safe activities for children, don’t forget to take a look at wyreforestdc.gov.uk for full details of the Summer Activities Programme.

Other websites to check out are plugandplay.org.uk and whatsonworcestershire.com

HELEN DYKE Chairman