Police urge switched-on approach to beat burglars

The simple message is one of the key themes of this year's 'Operation Twilight' campaign '“ which offers valuable advice on how to go about ensuring burglars are left in the dark during the winter months.

The campaign comes as figures reveal burglary in Sussex has reduced by 21 per cent in the year to the end of July, leading to 1,388 fewer victims, the biggest year-on-year percentage reduction for more than a decade.

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."

Every year sees a spate of early evening burglaries when the clocks going back and the police will be distributing Operation Twilight flyers throughout Sussex.

The advice on offer includes:

- 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.

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