Crime prevention advice as evenings draw in

Inspector Tony Boyce of Causeway Coast and Glens police explained: “Criminals will use the darker evenings and nights as cover to commit crime, which can sometimes be opportunistic.

“Make it a habit to always close and lock external doors and windows when going out and when going to bed. Take keys out of the door and don’t leave car keys or valuables where they can be seen through windows.

“Crimes happen in rural areas as well as in bigger towns and people should be aware that opportunistic thieves are happy to steal from unlocked sheds and garages.

“Many of us have put away the gardening equipment or bicycles for the winter months ahead. It’s really important that you secure these often high value items.

“Members of our farming communities should also be mindful of crime prevention measures. Local officers did a trailer marking session recently and we discussed simple crime prevention measures such as the use of hitching locks.

Inspector Boyce concluded:

“Further crime prevention advice can be obtained by visiting the PSNI website at www.psni.police.uk”