Cleobury Mortimer Benefits From Home Security Measure funded by West Mercia Police Authority
West Mercia Police Authority has funded a home security measure in Cleobury Mortimer following a spate of house burglaries.
A grant of around £650 has been approved by the Authority's community safety fund to buy 250 light timer switches which have been handed out to the town's residents during the past few weeks. The move follows a sharp rise in burglaries last year and although the figures are down this year, local police were anxious to provide reassurance and support.
Shropshire's Crime Risk Manager, Mr Charles Naylor, who applied for the grant, said: "Timer switches do act as a deterrent and their distribution has provided an opportunity to engage with residents to give additional crime reduction advice, particularly on the run up to Christmas. The switches deter burglars by lighting up a home when the occupants are out making it look like someone is at home. Less than one per cent of houses in Shropshire and other parts of the West Mercia force area are burgled each year and taking simple steps such as using a timer switch can significantly lower your chances of becoming a victim."
The Local Policing Team also arranged for around 70 houses in the Cleobury Mortimer area to have SmartWater property marking kits to help protect valuables in the home.
Part of the Police Authority grant will be used to buy and set up eight SmartWater signs on approaches to the town to further promote crime reduction.
