KEEP BURGLARS IN THE DARK

By employing a few simple methods, households can deter an opportunist burglar and ensure that homes remain safe throughout the winter period.

Operation Twilight offers residents of Sussex valuable advice to make sure burglars can't get cosy.

Dennis Donovan, Force Crime Prevention Officer from the Community Safety Branch said: "It sounds simple advice, but when it is dark outside people don't always think to draw their curtains or leave a light on if they are going to be out.

"To the opportunist burglar, it is almost an invite. A house that is in darkness is the easiest target as no-one is likely to be home. It doesn't take long for a burglar to get inside and steal property, particularly things that are easy to sell such as televisions, videos, computers, jewellery and antiques."

Every year sees a spate of early evening burglaries associated with the clocks going back and the Force will be distributing flyers with simple crime prevention advice to try and prevent people becoming burglary victims. These include:

- Use an automatic time switch on an indoor light, either in a room that cannot be peered into from the road, or upstairs. Regularly change the timing on the switch.

- Put a time switch on a radio that has been tuned to a chat station. This will give the impression that the house is occupied. Regularly change the timing on the switch.

- Fit security lighting, either dusk to dawn energy efficient lighting that will come on automatically as dusk sets in, or brighter passive infrared activated lighting drawing attention to movement.

- Ensure that gates or access to the rear of the house are locked and secure. Don't forget to lock your shed: your tools can be used to break in. Trim overgrown plants - don't give burglars a hiding place.

- Secure windows, paying particular attention to those on the ground floor and above flat roof areas. Use locks and bolts and keep all your keys, including car keys, out of sight and out of reach.

- Property mark your valuables by using your postcode and your house number or name. Some articles are unsuitable for marking so photograph them - with a ruler in view to show scale.

- Intruder alarms are an effective deterrent against burglars. Before choosing a system ensure it is the one most suitable for your needs.

- Trust your instincts. If you see anything suspicious let the police know. If you think a crime is about to happen or is in progress dial 999.

- Join a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme. For details of a local scheme or to start a scheme phone Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999 and ask for the Crime Prevention Co-ordinator in the local area.

Residents are able to print off Twilight posters to display in their home from the Sussex Police website at http://www.sussex.police.uk