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People are off to enjoy their holidays, so police have issued ‘top tips’ on keeping their empty homes secure.

West Mercia Police has produced the Safe and Secure ‘Beach’ leaflet, available from travel agents when people go to book their trips. A house which is obviously unoccupied can tempt would-be burglars but there are simple steps you can take to protect your property.

West Mercia Police runs Safe and Secure, offering advice to the public on how to keep themselves, their homes, their gardens and their vehicles protected.

There are lots you can do to reduce the risk of your home being broken into when empty.

PC Tim Weaver, Shropshire Division’s crime reduction officer, said there are a number of common tell-tale signs that indicate to burglars a house may be empty.

“Milk bottles or parcels on the doorstep, newspapers and post in the letterbox, curtains closed during the day or open at night, unlit houses after dark, all windows shut in very hot weather and an empty driveway,” he said.

“Circumstances may arise when such situations are unavoidable. However, you can make it more difficult for a burglar by taking a few small precautions before you go on holiday.”

These are:
* Advising neighbours or friends you are going away
* Arranging for them to check on your house, collect mail, open or close curtains
* Encouraging a neighbour to park on your drive
* Remembering to cancel milk and newspapers
* Investing in timer switches which turn lights and / or a radio (tuned to a talk station) on and off.
* Don’t put your home address on luggage when travelling.
* Lock external doors and windows. If you have an intruder alarm, set it.