KEEP YOUR POSSESSIONS SAFE – DOUBLE-LOCK UPVC DOORS

WITH THE advent of the festive season, Hertfordshire Constabulary is asking residents to keep a simple message in mind – if your UPVC doors aren't double-locked, they aren't secure.

Nationally, there is often an increase in home burglaries around this time of year, so police are reminding Hertfordshire residents to keep security in mind, and not give burglars an open invitation into their homes.

“If I could give one piece of advice to residents to help keep their property safe, it would be to make sure they properly lock any UPVC doors before they go out or go to bed,” said Hertfordshire Crime Reduction Officer Dave Mance. “If you don't lift the handle and double-lock a UPVC door with the key to engage the security features, even if the handle is lifted up on the inside, it's as good as leaving the door wide open.”

“Of course there are other very simple ways you can help keep burglars out in the cold this winter. Get into the habit before you go out to check all windows, including the upstairs ones, are closed and preferably locked, make sure all doors are locked properly and ensure your garden shed and gate are secure too. Try to keep all loose valuables like laptops and mobile phones out of the sight of anybody looking in.”

For more crime prevention advice, visit www.herts.police.uk or call 0845 33 00 222 to speak to your local Crime Prevention Officer.

Clive added: “By taking just a few moments before you leave the house, you could be saving yourself a lot of inconvenience,