Low-energy way to beat burglars

POLICE will be lighting up local communities in a bid to protect homes from burglars.

Officers will hand out 24,000 energy-saving light bulbs as part of a crime-fighting initiative backed by energy giants E.on, which is providing the bulbs to help reduce carbon emissions.

Recipients will be encouraged to use the bulbs in external lighting and hallways to deter burglars.

The low-energy bulbs will also allow people to leave lights on when they are out or overnight in vulnerable locations while keeping energy costs down.

Neighbourhood policing officers will be distributing the bulbs and will also use the opportunity to advise people on how to keep themselves and their property safe.

Det Chief Insp Dean Fraser, from Greater Manchester Police, said: “External security lighting and leaving a light on in the home when you go out can greatly reduce your chances of falling prey to burglars. This partnership initiative will help people to safeguard their homes while keeping energy costs and carbon footprints down.

“Through Operation Guardian we have been tackling burglary on a number of different levels that include targeting known offenders through covert surveillance, warrants and curfew and bail condition checks. Neighbourhood policing teams have also been busy providing high-visibility patrols in hotspot areas and helping people to take measures that will decrease their chances of being burgled.

“These measures include shutting and locking all external doors and windows whether you are at home or not, and fitting and using a burglar alarm.

“Using these lights on a timer switch can also leave burglars guessing on whether your home is occupied or not.”