After a number of burglaries across the area over the weekend, police are raising awareness and calling for public support in reducing the number of incidents of burglary.


Chief Inspector Kieran English, who is responsible for operational policing in the West Division, is appealing for common sense safety steps to be followed by residents in order to reduce the risk of it happening to them.


He said: "We see many incidents where residents have left their home unlocked and thieves simply walk in the door.


"You need to keep your door shut and preferably locked so you are not making your home an easy target. There are also simple common sense measures you can follow to reduce the risk of becoming a victim, such as checking your windows are all locked, not leaving boxes or a ladder in the garden to assist access to your house and not leaving valuable items on display.


"We are making arrests of people we believe are carrying out burglaries in the area. We had four arrests over this weekend alone, but we do need the help of residents too in order to crack down on the offences happening in the first place.


"Don't make yourself a target - especially with Christmas on the way which would be a particularly bad time for your home to be targeted," he advised.


As most house burglaries are opportunist, police are advising people to take simple, inexpensive crime prevention steps that will make a difference:


· Many domestic burglaries happen as a result of leaving doors and windows insecure, so keep them closed and preferably locked


· Keep all valuables out of sight, don't give a thief a reason to want to come into your home


· Don't leave handbags by the kitchen window, or mobile phones and purses by the door - if a thief can't see it, they can't take it


· Thieves are getting into some of these homes by going down alleyways at the side of the property - if you have a gate then keep it locked and keep strangers out


· Don't leave your car keys within easy reach or offenders may spot them and also take your car and don't leave them within reach of a window or letter box


· Consider using a timer switch in your home if you are not in during the evening.