A FLINTSHIRE police sergeant is urging people to keep their homes safe and secure from would-be burglars in the run-up to Christmas.

The aim of North Wales Police's Operation Blue Instinct is to prevent burglary related offences during the winter months - a time when they are typically higher in number.

Police are urging people not to make it easy for opportunistic thieves or burglars by leaving Christmas gifts and valuables in plain sight.

Sgt Dave Smith, of the North Flintshire policing team, said: “As part of our Operation Blue Instinct initiative we want to raise awareness so that residents are vigilant by providing simple but effective advice so that they can enjoy the festive period, we don’t want a burglar to ruin their Christmas.

“Myself and all staff from Flintshire North would like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas.”

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Here are some tips from the police to ensure your property and possessions are kept safe and secure at home:

  • Don’t share images of your tree and what’s under it on social media.
  • Don’t share your plans for Christmas on social media – you’re advertising that you won’t be home.
  • Don’t share images of what you have had for Christmas.
  • Discard of packaging carefully – placing empty boxes outside advertises what you now have inside your home.
  • If you’re due to get home after it gets dark, why not use timer switches on your lamps to give your home the ‘lived-in’ look?
  • Lock all doors and windows, and ensure any PVCu doors are locked properly by lifting the handle and using the key to double-lock them.
  • Pay particular attention to making sure that ground floor windows and windows that are accessible above flat roofs, close to drain pipes or in reach of fire escapes, are secure.
  • Never leave any valuables in your vehicle - not even in the glove-box or boot - and keep all other possessions out of sight. Even if you know that there is nothing valuable in your coat pocket or a bag left on the back seat, a thief may try their luck.

For further advice on keeping your home safe this Christmas, visit our crime prevention pages: https://orlo.uk/LCHMd